Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Domaine 2023

Le Domaine is Bernard Baudry's principal Chinon red, drawn mainly from high-sited limestone vines on the plateau above the town.

Chinon, on the Vienne near its confluence with the Loire, is Cabernet Franc country, and the character of its wines turns on whether the vines are planted on the gravel terraces near the river or on the limestone and clay of the slopes and plateau. Bernard Baudry, now working with his son Matthieu, farms organically at Cravant-les-Côteaux. The bulk of this bottling comes from vines at Saint Louans on the plateau above Chinon's première côte, the principal parcel being Cimetière aux Chiens, named for the limestone that litters the ground. To this Baudry blends roughly 20 per cent from the gravelly soils of Cravant. Fermentation is with wild yeast in traditional cement vats, and the wine ages fifteen months in concrete and old casks before bottling unfiltered, two springs after harvest — a considerably longer cycle than the domaine once used.

Approachable now and good for eight to ten years. Serve lightly cool at 16°C with roast pork, charcuterie or grilled vegetables.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.