Benoit Daridan - Cheverny & Cour Cheverny

Ecocert Organic Conversion

After several wines experiences in France and abroad, Benoit DARIDAN took over in 2001 the 15 hectares family vineyard. He is the 10th Generation.
The vineyard is located in the heart of the Loire valley; In Cour Cheverny between the 2 famous “Chateau de Cheverny” and “Château de Chambord”.
The characteristic of that vineyard is a 2 Hectars section of 50 year old vines wich has the Appellation “Cour Cheverny”. The unique grape variety for this small appellation is the “Romorantin” (established by the king Francois 1st) 

Cheverny is a French wine region in the Loire Valley that makes dry white wines, light red wines and rosé wines. The area received AOVDQS (Appellation d'Origine Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure) status in 1973, and then AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) on 26 March 1993 when new regulatory laws were passed. The wine region is spread over 532 hectares, within 24 communes of the Loir-et-Cher department.
The white wines are composed of Sauvignon blanc grapes, at a proportion of 60%–80%, blended with Arbois, Chardonnay or Pineau Blanc de la Loire grapes. A small proportion is made into sparkling wine. The red wines are composed of Gamay grapes, at a proportion of 40%–65%, blended with Pinot noir grapes. Cabernet Franc and Côt can be used to make up to 15% of the wine. Pineau d'Aunis is added to these grape varieties when making rosés.

Cour-Cheverny is a 48 hectare wine appellation in the Loire Valley north east of Tours. The vineyards are scattered in small parcels over 11 communes in the Loir-et-Cher département (Cellettes, Cheverny, Chitenay, Cormeray, Cour-Cheverny, Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Mont-près-Chambord, Montlivault, Saint-Claude-de-Diray, Tour-en-Sologne and Vineuil).It is a young appellation having been proclaimed in 1997. It is of some interest to wine enthusiasts as only white wine is produced from the little known Romorantin grape.The Romorantin grape has grown in the Loire Valley since the sixteenth century. It makes crisp, acidic, minerally white wines.
Legend has it that Romorantin was introduced to the Loire by King Francis I of France (1494–1547).  
DNA fingerprinting has shown that it is one of many grapes to be the result of a cross between Gouais blanc and Pinot fin teinturier, making it a sibling of famous varieties such as Chardonnay and Aligoté.

The Cheverny and Cour Cheverny Appellation are almost unknown abroad. Leaving in Blois for 7 years, I wanted to promote the vineyard close by.
Every body around me was talking about Daridan. I tasted the wines few times with friends and familly and really enjoyed them a lot.
I went to meet with Benoit and we decided to work together.