2021 Domaine Philippe Alliet, Chinon, Loire Valley France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Practicing organic. 100% Cabernet Franc from 45+ year old vines grown in sand and gravel soils. The grapes are de-stemmed. Fermented and aged in cement. Unfined and unfiltered.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Father-son team Philippe and Pierre Alliet are the proprietors of this small domaine in Cravant-les-Côteaux, home to some of the best Cabernet Franc vineyards in the Loire Valley. Considered by many to be one of the finest producers in Chinon, the Alliets are part of a new generation of Loire winemakers dedicated to low yields, optimally ripe fruit, and fastidious vineyard management. From their 12-hectare domaine, they produce a stunning lineup of 100% Cabernet Franc wines: a basic Chinon of great purity and balance; ‘Vieilles Vignes’ a gravel-grown cuvée from 60+ year-old vines that is aged in cement; ‘L’Huisserie’ that is grown on a south-facing limestone laden slope and aged in 500L barrels; and ‘Côteau de Noire’ aged in barriques and grown on a famed steep site, known as one of the top single-vineyards in all of Chinon. Across the range, the grapes are totally de-stemmed in an effort to reduce the vegetal characteristics often associated with Loire Valley reds and only indigenous yeasts are used in the cellar. Each year, this domaine raises the bar for what is possible with Cabernet Franc in Chinon. They effortlessly display the privileged terroir and winemaking excellence that their family possesses, while also maintaining a deliciousness that allows the wines to be enjoyed young or after decades of aging. This is a true top-flight, and benchmark estate.