Chinon L'Huisserie 2022 Philippe Alliet | Loire

Domaine Philippe Alliet 's Chinon L'Huisserie draws its character from the finest gravelly terroirs on the hillsides of Chinon in the Loire. Protected from the wind by the hillside, the south-facing plots offer gravelly soil that heats up during the day and slowly releases heat at night, guaranteeing optimal ripening of the young Cabernet Franc vines. Produced using integrated farming methods with controlled yields, this wine benefits from winemaking in concrete vats with natural fermentation, followed by 18 months ageing in mostly old oak barrels, which gives it finesse and structure without masking the purity of the fruit.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Chinon L'Huisserie displays a resolutely different temperament from the other cuvées on the wine estate: more incisive and energetic in its youth, it reveals itself easily in its first years. The concentration of the grapes, the result of deliberately low yields, gives this wine remarkable aromatic density, while retaining its liveliness. It's a wine that combines power and fruitiness, and that's best enjoyed now, or left to mature a little to soften its tannins.

On the nose, the wine opens with notes of blackcurrant and redcurrant jam, awakened by a hint of aromatic herbs such as verbena and fresh thyme. A nose that's both fine and expressive, with formidable effectiveness.

The palate is a jewel of refinement, revealing a texture chiseled by the natural acidity of Cabernet Franc. The dense, silky texture unfurls flavors of black cherry and plum, followed by spicy notes of black pepper and clove. The tannins, still a little firm, offer a noble, taut chewiness. The wine's length prolongs the pleasure with a fruity aftertaste, finishing the mouth beautifully.