This Appellation is situated in the Loire Valley in the Touraine region.
The Vineyards of Chinon occupy 4,500 acres (1,821 HA) along the banks of the river Vienne.
Rabelais, the great epicurean author, was born near Chinon and wrote in praise of its wines, ensuring that their fame would spread.
Grapes:
* Cabernet Franc (locally known as the Breton) with up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon permitted
* Chenin Blanc 100% (only 2% of the total production in this AOC)
Note: a small amount of rosé is produced.
Soil: 2 different Soil types
* The sand and gravel soils of the vineyards on the river's flood plains produce, light and elegant wines for early drinking.
* The clay and tuffeau limestone soil of the hillsides produces full-bodied wines capable of longer aging.
My pick:
Béatrice & Pascal Lambert: Domaine Les Chesnaies
Beatrice and Pascal was visited Sydney a few weeks ago and I have had the chance to meet up with them.
They created their domaine in 1987 and since 2000 they went Biodynamic and have been certified since 2005.
The couple are managing 34,5 acres (14 Ha) of vineyards situated in Cravant les Coteaux.
This village represents about 40% of the Chinon AOC.
Some of the greatest wineries:
Philip Alliet
Catherine et Pierre Breton
Bernard Baudry
Other good wineries:
Couly-Dutheil
Charles Joguet
Recommended website:
www.loirevalleywine.com
