1–10 of 10
A distinctive and historically significant red-wine appellation of the Loire Valley, Chinon AOC stretches between the medieval town of Chinon, the Vienne River and the gentle hills of Touraine. This is a region where centuries-old tradition, a cool northern climate and a uniquely varied mosaic of soils come together to give Cabernet Franc its most elegant and expressive voice.
The terroir of Chinon is remarkably diverse. The appellation is shaped by three main soil types, each producing a different style of wine.
• In the warmer valley floors, sand and gravel soils create lighter, fruit-driven wines.
• On the hilltops and higher terraces lies limestone, the famous tuffeau, which contributes depth, structure, minerality and long ageing potential.
• Between these areas, clay-limestone soils allow Cabernet Franc to develop greater concentration, spice and aromatic complexity.
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
France
The climate is typically Loire Valley: continental with Atlantic influence. Warm summer days are balanced by cool evenings and steady winds, helping the grapes retain natural acidity and a pure aromatic profile. In Chinon, Cabernet Franc achieves not only ripe fruit expression but also floral lift and a refined, mineral backbone.
The appellation’s flagship grape is Cabernet Franc. In Chinon, it reveals notes of redcurrant, cherry, raspberry, violets, wild herbs, graphite and delicate green pepper. With age, the wines evolve to show tobacco leaf, cedar, forest floor and the elegant minerality characteristic of tuffeau limestone.
Although red wines dominate production, Chinon also makes fresh, aromatic rosé and small quantities of white wines from Chenin Blanc. The whites, while rare, offer nuances of honey, pear, green apple and chalky minerality, adding an intriguing and niche dimension to the appellation.
