2018 Charles Joguet Chinon “Clos de la Dioterie”, Loire Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The Clos de la Dioterie is located right next to the winery, overlooking the Varennes du Grand Clos. This historic vineyard of just over two hectares is astonishing for the age of its vines (70 to 80 years old), but also for its highly calcareous clay soil and its north-east exposure, ideal for perfect ripening. These very old vines with low yields (30 hl/ha) are the object of particularly attentive care.

This is the last parcel to be harvested, as it faces north-east: they look for the most complete maturity possible for this old emblematic vine. Careful selection of grapes in the vineyard, multiple treatments during vatting, meticulous monitoring of the vinification process, assessment of the length of maceration: everything about this cuvée calls for caution to obtain a result that lives up to its reputation.

All the techniques developed for Clos du Chêne Vert are adapted to Clos de la Dioterie according to the requirements of each vintage. The maturing process is also carried out in the same way. When the final blend is made, the discreet but great complexity of this rare wine is already apparent, and will be fully expressed after many years in the cellar.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Charles Joguet, a young painter and sculptor, abandoned a budding art career to assume direction of the family domaine in 1957. He began to question the common practice of selling grapes to negociants, as his family had done for years. The Joguets owned prime vineyard land between the Loire and Vienne Rivers with distinct variations in the soils. To sell the grapes off or vinify the individualized plots together would have been madness. Separate terroirs, Charles believed, necessitate separate vinifications. He took the risks necessary to master single-vineyard bottling with an artistry that Chinon had never before seen. Charles has since retired. Today, the eager and talented Kevin Fontaine oversees the vineyards and the cellars.