The Loire Valley("luh-WAH vah-lee")
Made up four different regions rolled into one big region, all joined by the longest river in France, the Loire River. Loire Valley is known for their crisp white wines, light red wines, rosé's and even a small production of fine sweet dessert wines and sparkling wines. Each subregion of the Loire has their own focus on different grape varieties. To name a few they are: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Melon de Bourgogne, and Chenin Blanc. Despite how long the Loire river is, the vineyards only cover about half as much ground as Bordeaux. Three-quarters of total production equate to 45 million cases at the AOC level. To learn more about what the AOC is, click here.
The Four distinct regions that make up the Loire are from left to right(see map above): The Pay's Nantais("pay non-tay"), Anjou-Saumur("on-zhoo-saw-mur"), Touraine("too-rehn"), & The Upper Loire("luh-WAHR"). Our focus today will be on the Touraine region because that is where Chinon("Shee-non") is located.
Touraine ("too-rehn")
Most famous for Vouvray, where they grow Chenin Blanc, a white wine. They are also known for their reds too such as Bourgeil and Chinon all based around the grape, Cabernet Franc and is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon(no more than 10%) to give it a little bit more complexity and structure. Cabernet Franc is the father grape to Cabernet Sauvignon, so it's only fitting that father and son are blended together! Chinon is known to be the most elegant of the two. They also do a small amount of white as well and it uses the Chenin Blanc grape, and is the sole grape for the wine. No blending, 100%.
What Chinon tastes like
Roasted red pepper, raspberry sauce, jalapeño, sweet raspberry compote and wet gravel. On the palate you’ll taste moderately high acidity and moderately low tannin with flavors of sour cherry, smoky tomato, dried oregano and sweet pepper. The alcohol usually stays about 12.5%, but can go as high as 15%!
About Chinon("shee-non")
The climate: The confluence of the Loire and Vienne marks the start of mild Atlantic conditions. The oceanic climate sweeps through the two valleys, reaching the most distant hillsides and terraces. Slopes are oriented east to west, enjoying excellent, sunny southern exposures; the microclimate is ideal for growing Cabernet Franc. There are three major soil types: Alluvial terraces (ancient and recent) along the banks of the Vienne, comprising gravel and sand. Turonian (yellow tuffeau) limestone outcrops where the rivers meet. Plateaus and hillocks largely made up of siliceous clay and sand.
In Conclusion
Now you know a little bit more about Chinon and the flavor components you find in the wine. If you are curious of what this wine tastes like yourself, I have a few located in the store currently right now! Stop in and come find me and I will help you locate this wonderful wine! Also, go ahead and check out the review I did on Couly Dutheil Les Gravieres Chinon Rouge 2018 that I paired perfectly with a Black Beluga Lentil and Creamy Mushroom stew!
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