Chinon is a well-known wine appellation within the Loire Valley, famous for producing red wines primarily from Cabernet Franc grapes. The region is divided by the Vienne River, and wines labeled as "Rive Gauche" indicate that the grapes used to produce the wine come from vineyards located on the left bank of the Vienne River.
- Winemaker: Marc Plouzeau
- Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
- Farming: Organic
- Terroir: Les Lisons is a single 3-hectare parcel of vines located on the southern slopes of Ligre, clay-limestone and alluvial pebbles.
- Vinification: Hand-harvested, natural yeast fermentation, whole-cluster fermentation.
- Aging: neutral Demi-muids (600L oak barrels) up to 9 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
From our August 2023 Club notes:
Marc Plouzeau 'Les Lisons' Cabernet Franc, Chinon, Loire Valley, 2020
Welcome to Chinon, the historic village renowned for crafting exquisite and quaffable Cabernet Franc in the heart of the Loire Valley. Marc Plouzeau's family has deep roots in the region. In 1846, the Plouzeau family became proprietors of Château de la Bonnelière, but it wasn’t until the 1980s when Pierre Plouzeau replanted the vineyards and focused on quality winemaking. In 1999, Marc assumed stewardship of the family estate, embarking on a journey towards biodynamic viticulture. Building upon his family's legacy of revitalizing old estates, Marc also acquired Domaine de La Croix Marie and its vineyards in 2014.
The region's vineyards are divided by the meandering Vienne River. This wine hails from the "Rive Gauche", or vineyards nestled on the left bank of the Vienne River. Here, Cabernet Franc thrives in the cool climate, a setting where its herbaceous and green pepper-like aromas and flavors, also known as "pyrazines", find their distinct expression. In cooler climates like that of the Loire Valley, the presence of pyrazines contributes a pleasing herbaceous nuance that beautifully complements other fruit and spice notes, heightening the overall intricacy of the wine.
The wine is from the 3-hectare parcel Les Lisons, nestled on the southern slopes of Ligre. Within this unique terroir, clay-limestone soils and alluvial pebbles contribute depth and character to the wine. Cultivated through rigorous biodynamic practices, the vines are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Whole-cluster fermentation accentuates spice and delicate fruit qualities. Aging takes place within ancient oak demi-muids (600L barrels) in the caverns of a 12th-century castle, spanning up to 9 months, and then bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Exuding a light, crunchy, and superbly earthy profile with notes of fallen autumn leaves, dried bell pepper, dusty cocoa powder, and cassis, Les Lisons' herbaceous and earthy qualities harmonize with the flavors of roasted lamb, turkey accompanied by sage and thyme stuffing, grilled portobello mushrooms, and a medley of summer vegetables. — Cara Patricia
