France | Loire | Domaine de L’R | Chinon Les Cinq Elements

Chinon Les Cinq Elements

Varietal
Cabernet Franc

Notes
VINEYARD: Made from several parcels: Les Folies, Les Grands Pièces, Le Noyer Vert and Les Preillotes. These are the last parcels to be picked and here the vinification and élevage are longer.

VINE AGE: 50-65 years

SOIL: Gravelly soils with a limestone and sandy subsoil.

FARMING: Organic certified. Single Guyot pruning. Fred has always used organic methods to grow his Cabernet Franc vines and chooses to use no herbicides or pesticides. Instead, he is applying minimal intervention practices working with his environment to promote biodiversity. The grapes are harvested by hand and wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts to preserve the pure expression of the fruit and its terroir.

VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand harvested and carried to the winery in open crates. Gravity-flow system. Fermentation in concrete vats with short pumping over, in controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation occurs in concrete vats as well. Aged for 8 months on fine lees. Minimal racking and minimal addition of sulfur before bottling.

TASTING NOTES: Fine and elegant aromas on the nose that are reminiscent of red berry fruits (strawberry, raspberry and currant). Great complexity on the mouth with elegant tannins, and a lengthy finish. Pairs well with fishes, white meats, game or lamb.