2013 Ch de Coulaine Chinon Francs de Pieds, Loire Valley

Made from a tiny plot of ungrafted vines in front of the chateau. Vinified in cement with indigenous yeast and then aged in 400 litre barrels (none new) the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal S02.

This has given the purest expression of Cabernet Franc that one is likely to find in the Loire. Beautifully elegant and fresh with vivid raspberry perfume and intense yet fresh dark berry and spice on palate. Incredibly fresh and refined structure with astonishing purity. Lip-smackingly moreish.

”From a very small parcel of vines planted in front of the château, the vines established on their own roots rather than being grafted onto American rootstock. A very pretty nose, bright with fragrant red cherry and violet fruits, fresh but also delicate. The palate is all fruit stone, with a rather austere substance, the fruit loose and juicy, and delicately draped over the rather grainy tannins. These tannins add a very grained edge to the finish, a feature perhaps reinforced by the acidity too.”

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com, February 2016.