Definition: chinon aoc

Chinon wine is made mainly from Cabernet Franc, a highly expressive grape variety. It expresses aromas of red fruits and violets. Cabernet Franc, known as "Breton", can be accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon, which is authorised in a proportion of 10% of the blend. Some more tannic wines are aged in oak barrels to refine their expression. There are also elegant rosés with very fruity primary aromas, perfect for everyday drinking. As for Chinon blanc, made from the Chenin grape variety, also known as Pineau de Loire, it remains very mineral with very floral aromas.

The Chinon vineyard, recognised as an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), is rich in passion and tradition. Every year, the winegrowers produce wines that are faithful to the AOC concept: the terroir, the grape variety and, of course, the expertise of the Chinon winegrowers' oenological practices.

Along with Bourgueil, it is the best vineyard in Touraine for red wines made from Cabernet Franc. Lighter and more delicate than Bourgueil wines, Chinon wines can also sometimes offer longer ageing potential and greater depth. The red wines are lively, tender and delicate, aged in small barrels and can be kept for up to five or ten years. The whites made from Chenin Blanc are clean, dry, light and surprisingly aromatic for Chenin Blanc whites. They can be kept for three to five years. The rosés, which are dry and fairly light, supple and fruity, can be kept for two to three years.