Clos de Turpenay AOC 2022

A Chinon that impresses through precision rather than power. Dark berries, black pepper and liquorice, paired with a silky texture; the fine-grained tannin supports the fruit without masking it. At 13.5% ABV, this dry wine stays agile.

The vines grow on the plateaus of Chinon, on clay-limestone and sandstone over a porous chalk bed. The continental climate with Atlantic influence delays ripening. The de Bonnaventure family has been established here since 1300, and the 15th-century Gothic château today serves as both cellar and family home. Etienne de Bonnaventure took over just 1.2 hectares in 1988 and, together with his wife Pascale, expanded the vineyard to 19 hectares. Since 2017, his son Jean, an agricultural engineer and oenologist, has run the estate as its ninth generation.

Single-varietal Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested, yields of around 35 hl/ha. Fermentation happens spontaneously, ageing takes place in used barriques. The cellar intervenes as little as possible.

Deep ruby red with violet highlights. On the nose, blackcurrant and dark cherry, alongside bell pepper and black pepper. On the palate, juicy, clearly defined and coolly spiced.

Roasted duck breast with herb crust, rack of lamb with rosemary, braised beef cheeks, peppers stuffed with minced meat and tomatoes, mushroom dishes with thyme, or a mature Comté with walnuts.

According to family tradition, the vineyards have never been treated with chemicals for centuries; the family is now working towards biodynamic certification.