2021 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon

Winemaker Notes: Jean-Maurice Raffault and Rodolphe Raffault’s family began cultivating vines in Chinon 14 generations ago, when their ancestor, Mathurin Bottreau, bought his first parcel of vines in 1693. Today, Domaine Jean-Maurice Raffault owns 50 organically farmed hectares of vines in 7 communes. The Cabernet Franc vines average 35 years of age and 10 hectares within these sites are 50 years of age. Rodolphe's father, the late Jean-Maurice Raffault, grew the estate from 4.5 ha to 50 ha, and began vinifying each parcel separately to understand and preserve the terroir. This Chinon Rouge comes from 10 ha of vines planted on sandy, alluvial soils near the Vienne River, providing basis for this supple, fruity Chinon meant for early drinking. After a native ferment, this remained on lees in stainless tanks until bottling early the following spring. Soft downy plum, raspberry, red florals are sprinkled with mineral salts, briary thorns, green stem, and white pepper. Tannins are fine and tautly strung, working hard to loft the softer, expansive, sandy-soiled fruit. Slight of body at 12.5 degrees, this welcomes a chill and plate of rustic charcuterie.