Fresh. The Loire Valley is at the heart of France’s natural wine movement. Many winemakers here live a back-to-the-land ethos, crafting wines as organically and minimally as possible. While some vignerons certainly may take the low sulfiting and unfiltered ideal too far, most wines turn out balanced, fresh, and more complex.
In the central Loire Valley the primary red grape is Cabernet Franc, the same grape that plays an important part in many of Bordeaux’s finest wines. In the Loire, Cab Franc is usually unoaked and unblended, taking on a juicier, more lively role. We’re pleased to introduce a new Chinon to our lineup today, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Dense. Fabien Demois is better known since our last visit a few years ago. Now certified organic and receiving acclaim from several French wine publications, Demois has created a cuvée from his old vines. Demois’s Chinon “Galets Ambrés” is made from Cabernet Franc planted in the 1960s, and named for the amber-laden stones found in the vineyard. It’s unoaked, dense, and juicy — a more concentrated take on a Loire Valley red.
“Galets Ambrés” is simply delicious, showing notes of dark chocolate, cool ripe berries, graphite, and a hint of smokiness. The mouthfeel is lively, complex, and croquant (“crackling”), a testament to the increased freshness found in organically grown wines. The deep violet complexion of this wine fits right into the autumn palate of colors, and will feel right at home next to a turkey and some stuffing.
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DEMOIS Chinon “Galets Ambrés” 2014
Ansonia Retail: $24
case, half-case: $19.95/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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