What?
Juice 2018 Chinon, Château Coudray-Montpensier, Loire Valley, FRA
Grape 100% Cabernet Franc
Farming Traditional
Tasting Note On the nose, it has bright aromas of pure black fruit with a hint of vanilla. The palate is refreshing with bright acidity and subtle, round tannins, with blackcurrant notes on the finish.
Who?
The impressive Château Coudray-Montpensier, located in Chinon, has a rich history that dates to the heart of the Middle Ages (1090 AD). The castle was built during the 14th century and was owned by a succession of nobility. In 1492, during the Hundred Years’ War, Joan of Arc stayed in the castle’s tower. She was waiting for an audience with King Charles VII of France to organise an attack against the English to relieve the French troops at the siege of Orléans. After various owners during the 19th and 20th centuries, the property was eventually acquired by Dr. Christian Feray in 2005, who undertook major restorations to transform it into a cultural and gastronomic landmark.
Why?
We just love this juicy, fresh and vibrant Chinon. It is slightly ripper and fuller than many other expressions from the appellation and this fruit purity is what we just find so pleasing. Minimal amounts of oak usage ensure that the aforementioned characteristics are abundant and persistent. It is one of those reds that you can responsibly drink a bottle of before you’ve even realised its gone. Is there a hole in my glass you ask yourself? There isn’t, you’ve just been lured into polishing off every last drop by its sexy drinkability.
With?
The juiciness of this wine ensures it is a versatile one from a pairing point of view. We love it with Roasted Mallard with Figs or perhaps a simple Charcuterie Selection featuring the Loire Valley specialty of Rilletes and other cured delight. Even delicate meats like Rabbit would be a lovely match. If you are more of the pescatarian or vegetarian persuasion you could do worse than a meatier fish like Turbot served with a red wine jus or a medley or roasted root veg and red peppers.
