La Varenne
Chinon Tradition – 2018
Region: France - Loire
La Varenne
The Gouron family has been producing wine for five generations at their estate in Cravant-les-Côteaux just east of the village of Chinon. Laurent and Stéphane Gouron tend the 72 acre La Varenne estate which is surrounded by forests. All of their vineyards are located within the Appellation of Chinon.
Grapes / Soils
| Cabernet Franc | Planted 1980 – 1995 | Gravelly-sandy, sandy-limestone & silex-limestone |
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
- Vineyard Area: 69.18 acres (28 hectares); 37 acres (15 hectares) devoted to Cuvee Tradition
- 6 plots, harvested and vinified separately
- Soils: gravelly-sandy on the plain, sandy-limestone slopes, silex-flinty on hilltops
- Vine age: 35 – 40 years
- Throughout the year, great care is taken of the vines to obtain the best maturity and naturally low yields
- Green cover crops between the rows
- Very short pruning and reduced foliage all combine to keep the vines and grapes in excellent health
Harvest Notes
- Grapes are destemmed
- Fermented and aged in thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks
- Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Winemaker's Notes
Intense smokiness of the wine is balanced by perfumed red fruits that come through the ripe tannins. Acidity and a light touch of structure allow the wine to keep freshness and accessibility for the short term.
Pair with roast chicken thighs, French onion soup and simply by itself.
Wine Summary
100% Cabernet Franc; vine age – planted 1980 – 1995; soils: gravelly-sandy, sandy-limestone and silex-limestone; fermented and aged in thermo-controlled stainless steel tanks; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 100% Cabernet Franc grapes
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Reviews
88 Points
A light style, featuring firm, medium tannins that lend support to roasted plum and tobacco notes. Shows good vibrancy, with spicy mineral hints on the finish. Drink now through 2023.
Wine Spectator, November, 2019
90 Points
The intense smokiness of this wine is balanced by perfumed red fruits that come through the ripe tannins. Acidity and a light touch of structure allow the wine to keep freshness and accessibility for the short term. Drink the wine from 2020.
Wine Enthusiast, January, 2020
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Appellation(s) | Chinon |
| Proprietors | Laurent & and Stéphane Gouron |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Winemaker | Stéphane Gouron |
| Annual Production | 5,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |
