La Grange Tiphaine

History

La Grange Tiphaine is a family domaine in Montlouis-sur-Loire, on the south bank of the Loire opposite Vouvray, run by Coralie and Damien Delecheneau. Damien grew up in the Loire Valley wine trade and took over the estate, which had been in family hands for generations, in the early 2000s. The couple has steadily expanded both the vineyards and the range of wines, building a reputation that now extends well beyond the region. The domaine also produces a small amount of Touraine Rouge, generally from Gamay or Côt, alongside its core Montlouis whites.

Vineyards

The vineyards sit on the plateau and slopes above the Loire, on the characteristic tuffeau (tufa) soils of Montlouis: a soft, porous limestone that drains freely and retains heat. Individual parcels include named lieux-dits such as Les Grenouillères and Les Epinays, each reflecting subtle differences in exposure and soil depth. The domaine farms organically, and has moved toward biodynamic practices over time, though formal certification status is not consistently documented in public sources. Chenin Blanc is the dominant variety, as it is across the appellation.

Winemaking

Fermentations rely on native yeasts, and the wines spend time in a combination of old oak demi-muids and larger foudres rather than new barrique. The approach favors slow, cool fermentations that preserve the natural acidity and aromatic complexity of Chenin. The range spans fully dry whites, demi-sec, pétillant naturel, and traditional-method sparkling wines, with the Clef de Sol label appearing across both white and red cuvées. L'Équilibriste represents a richer, more concentrated style, typically from older vines or a specific selection. Nouveau Nez is a lighter, earlier-drinking bottling. Wines are generally bottled with minimal intervention, and dosage on sparkling wines is kept low. Filtration, if used at all, is light.