Marc Brédif Chinon 2023

Marc Brédif Chinon is a varietal Cabernet Franc from the AOC Chinon in the Loire Valley, made at a historic cellar cut into the hillside and founded in 1893. Chinon sits in a cool, temperate part of the Loire where the moderating river and a relatively short, mild growing season give Cabernet Franc its hallmark combination of bright red fruit, fresh acidity and a leafy, savoury character. The variety is naturally aromatic and lighter in tannin than its Bordeaux relatives, which suits this fresher style. The wine is aged in oak, used carefully so that the wood settles the structure and adds a little spice without masking the fruit or the grape's herbal signature. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose leads with raspberry and redcurrant, with cherry, crushed herbs, graphite and a touch of black pepper. The palate is fresh and savoury, medium bodied, with fine grained tannins, lively acidity and a clean finish that returns to red fruit and a leafy note. This is a classic, food-friendly Loire red. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly cooled if you prefer. It works with roast lamb, poultry and goats' cheese.