La Varenne 2023 Chinon Tradition

This 2023 Chinon Tradition from La Varenne captures the liveliness and finesse of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc with aplomb—bursting with red- and black-berry fruit, scented violets and a mineral core that makes it immediately engaging yet built to age gracefully.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by the Gouron family at the La Varenne estate in Cravant-les-Côteaux within the Chinon AOP, this wine is drawn from eight vineyard plots with ages between 35-40 years in gravel-sandy plains, sandy-limestone slopes and flinty silex hilltops. Hand-harvested beginning September 22, 2023, each parcel was vinified separately, destemmed, and fermented/aged in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks housed in hillside caves. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered in April 2024, following the estate’s sustainable agricultural practices.

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Tasting Profile

Nose: Juicy and aromatic—cassis, plum and blackberries rise first, with violet petals and a subtle hint of flint/silex adding complexity.
Palate: Medium-bodied with lively acidity, the red and black fruit persists while fine, silky tannins provide texture. A mineral thread emerges and leads to a round, balanced finish.
Finish: Smooth and sustained—fruit lingers with soft tannin grip, moderate length and an air of understated elegance.

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Quick Overview