Chinon AOC, Loire Valley, France
Founded in 1987 near the town of Chinon, at the locality of Les Chesnaies, Beatrice and Pascal have been carefully cultivating Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc on approximately 13 hectares, in soils that range between sand and gravel deposits, limestone-clay soils and flint based clay soils. For over 20 years, between Chinon and Cravant-les Coteaux, the estate has been practicing organic viticulture and biodynamic preparations since 2005, becoming certified in 2012.
The vines are on average 10 to 30 years old. These 10-30 year old vines are hand picked and left to macerate in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts for fourteen days. Aging occurs in concrete as well between 6-12 months with no sulphites added until bottling. The wine is bottled unfined with just a light filtration.
Classic Loire Valley Cab Franc, a medium-bodied wine with ripe dark and red fruit notes, a touch of black liquorice, and a slightly herbaceous quality that’s common in this region.
Wild musky nose, explosive dense crunchy black fruit, medium-bodied and slightly herbaceous. Vibrant palate with light approachable tannins. Could be served slightly chilled to bring out the freshness.
Food pairing: pork tenderloin, braised short ribs, beef tartare, cabbage rolls