In 1990, Philippe Gourdon broke from the family domaine of Beauregard to create Château Tour Grise. What began with 20 hectares was streamlined to about 8, as he and partner Françoise leased out over half the original holdings to devote greater care to the most expressive parcels. The estate centers around an elegant 15th-century Loire mansion, overlooking vineyards of Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc planted biodynamically since 1998. Between the rows, ground cover thrives; the soil is hoed beneath each vine, shoots are pruned gently, trimming is minimal, and early disbudding is practiced carefully — all to coax ripeness naturally. Philippe’s winemaking emphasizes restraint: soft vinification, no added yeasts, no chaptalization, and only light sulphur when essential. The long cellars, carved into Loire limestone, provide a cool, stable environment ideal for aging, particularly for sparkling cuvées.