Bernard Baudry Rouge 2023

Bernard Baudry Rouge is a biodynamic single varietal Cabernet Franc from the appellation of Chinon, in the Loire Valley of France. The wine comes from plots with limestone subsoils, which give Chinon its minerality and freshness, planted with vines aged between 30 and 35 years that are harvested by hand. The older vines crop modestly and root deeply, drawing the savoury, mineral character of the chalk into the fruit. The must ferments over about two weeks in cement tanks, a neutral material that holds temperature steadily and adds no flavour, and the wine then ages for 15 months in oak or in uncoated cement tanks before being bottled unfiltered two springs after harvest. Working this way keeps the focus on terroir and on the leafy, red fruited signature of Cabernet Franc. The wine is bright ruby, with a nose of ripe cherry, raspberry, red currant and a leafy, peppery edge. The palate is medium bodied and fresh, with crunchy red fruit, fine firm tannins, an earthy, mineral core and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees, with a short decant. Good with roast lamb and grilled meats.