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

***

Video of the 2011 vintage in Bourgueil here.

 

Château Azay-le-Rideau (above and below)

Richard's report on the appellation, producers and wine of Azay-le-Rideau has now been posted on his site. See here.

'Home to the most beautiful château in the Loire?' asks Richard. No doubt that Azay-le-Rideau is a beautiful château but my favourite remains Chenonceau. 

 

 

 

 Vines and Reuilly

In his latest addition to his The Definitive Guide to the Wines of the Loire Richard Kelley has recently added sections on Quincy and Reuilly. Go to www.richardkelley.co.uk

Picking Sauvignon Blanc@Quincy