Les Charmes rouge AOC 2019

The Les Charmes rouge AOC 2019 is a pure Cabernet Franc from a single site on the heights of Anché, firmly structured and still young. The nose remains understated yet deep: lightly veiled redcurrant, barberry and cranberry, along with cherry, red bell pepper, ripe tomato and tomato leaf.

The Les Charmes vineyard lies on the left bank of the Vienne, on the heights of Anché, the neighbouring commune of Sazilly. The exposure is north-facing, the soil clay and limestone, and the Cabernet Franc vines are 35 years old. Charles Joguet took over the family estate in Chinon in 1957 and began vinifying each parcel separately instead of blending the grapes. Today the Domaine cultivates 35 hectares, including 30 hectares of Cabernet Franc and 5 hectares of Chenin Blanc.

100% Cabernet Franc. Five days of cool pre-fermentation maceration, then around 15 days of mash fermentation in wooden vats at 24°C to 26°C. The free-run wine is blended with the finest press wines. Malolactic fermentation and the six- to eight-month ageing take place in large wood.

Firm and upright. The tannin is powerful and ripe, still needing to smooth out, the acidity is present. The wine glows from within and, despite the tannins, already shows a first hint of sensuality, as the oak spice is already well integrated. 14.0% vol., dry.

The 2019 vintage is excellent, and the potential for this site's charm is great; it will reveal itself in two or three years. Cellar master Kevin Fontaine, with the house since 2006, recommends a Bordeaux glass for young wines and a Burgundy glass for mature ones.