Part of Chinon including Le Clos de l'Hospice
The latest instalment in Richard Kelley's Guide to the Wines of the Loire is now published:
'The Loire’s most recognized red wine appellation
CHINON – WINES OF GREAT RENOWN
‘Chinon, trois fois Chinon :
Petite ville, grand renom,
Assise sur pierre ancienne,
Au haut le bois, au pied la Vienne’
– François Rabelais (1494-1553) from Pantagruel - 1532
Grand renom indeed, but how many wine lovers can honestly claim to know and understand the Loire valleys most widely recognized red wine appellation? Superficially, it’s straightforward enough; a single classification based on Cabernet Franc, vinified both as red and rosé, and bolstered by a token amount of Chenin Blanc planted in many instances for cynical commerciality rather than any inherent cohesion with the region's soils. Unfortunately, for this commentator at least, Chinon is both a confusing and confused appellation, in desperate need of a shake-up....'
......To read more go to:
www.richardkelley.co.uk
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Video of the 2011 vintage in Bourgueil here.
