The history
THE HISTORY
Set in the heart of the village of Gorges, La Tour Gallus embodies over four centuries of wine-growing history. In the Muscadet region, on these gently sloping vineyards between the Loire and the sea, Damien Rineau’s family – established here since 1620 – continues to cultivate the expertise passed down through the generations on this terroir renowned for its dry white wines made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape.
A testament to the family’s deep roots in the Nantes region, an impressive family tree, displayed on a wall in the cellar, lists the names of the many ancestors who laid the foundations of the estate.
At the age of 20, Damien Rineau, the ninth generation, took over the family estate in 1983. Building on this rich heritage, he opened up new horizons for the estate. By expanding the vineyard to its current 15 hectares, more than half of which lies in a single block surrounding the property and is situated exclusively on a rare terroir known as Gabbro.
The team
A fresh start
Acquired in 2024 by Thierry Denjean, who also owns the Domaine de Haute Perche in Anjou and is a partner in Vin de l’A in the Swiss Valais, La Tour Gallus is enjoying a smooth transition.
Thierry’s arrival at the top of the estate brings a new spirit. Surrounded by a passionate team, he combines expertise and ambition to promote Tour Gallus and its wines at the finest restaurants.
Damien carries on the family legacy with pride and humility. His experience, his intimate knowledge of the vineyard and his deep connection to the terroir make him an iconic figure.
Deeply rooted in the Loire valley, Inès is our representative, the one who brings our wine from the shadows of our cellars into the light of your dining tables. With that endless smile that perfectly reflects her spirit, she is committed to revealing the excellence of La Tour Gallus wines to the world.
GORGES
The birthplace of Muscadet’s Crus
Thanks to his expertise of the terroir, Damien Rineau became a founding member committed to obtaining recognition for ‘Gorges’ as a Crus. From the 1990s, together with a handful help of winegrowers, he worked to identify and promote the exceptional qualities of this terroir, which led to its recognition by the INAO in 2011 as a communal cru.
The result of a long-term project, this recognition symbolises the rebirth and qualitative transformation of an entire vineyard, which for too long had been regarded as nothing more than a simple everyday wine. At La Tour Gallus, more than half of the vineyard lies within the ‘Gorges’ appellation area, and nearly a third of its production claims this designation on its labels.