Chinon, Domaine Herault 2009

Based in Panzoult, in the heart of the appellation, this family estate spans 24 hectares and solely cultivates Cabernet Franc, also known locally as Breton. The estate is split between two terroirs, gravel in the valley, and limestone/clay on the hillside. Thanks to a full southern exposure, the grapes benefit from great ripening potential. This is translated into a typical but ripe, round and juicy Chinon with lovely raspberry notes. Furthermore, the wines benefit from maturing in the large underground cellars that were dug up during the thirteenth century. The local stone is called "Tuffeau" (a kind of limestone) and was used to build the fabulous Chateaux all along the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, including Chenonceau where Mary Queen of Scots grew up.