Bernard Baudry Les Granges 2021

Bernard Baudry is a reference name in Chinon, in the Loire Valley, working biodynamically across the appellation. This single variety Cabernet Franc comes from vines planted between 1985 and 1988 on alluvial terraces of gravel and mixed sand. Those free draining soils warm quickly and give an easy, fruit forward style of Cabernet Franc, lighter than the estate's clay and limestone bottlings. The harvest is by hand, the grapes ferment for two weeks in cement tanks, and the wine ages seven to ten months in cement before being bottled without filtration. Cement is neutral, so there is no oak flavour, and the wine keeps the pure red fruit and leafy freshness that define Loire Cabernet Franc. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose shows red currant, red berry and a green apple lift, with the variety's characteristic leafy, herbal note and a touch of pepper. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with fine grained tannin, brisk acidity and a savoury, gently earthy finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, with a light chill welcome in summer. It suits roast pork, grilled chicken and charcuterie.