2023 Cabernet Franc

THE PLACE

A historic Loire Valley estate near Nantes with roots going back nearly 1,000 years. The Goulaine family, Breton nobles first documented around the 11th century, built the château in a strategic marshland area controlling trade routes between Brittany and the Loire region.

Cabernet Franc is grown on limestone and clay slopes as well as sandy gravel terraces near the Vienne River. These diverse soils shape the wine’s character: limestone contributes freshness and structure, while gravel and sand create softer, more fruit-forward expressions. The cool climate of the Loire Valley further helps preserve the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic complexity while maintaining moderate alcohol levels.

WINEMAKING

The Marquis de Goulaine Chinon is made from Cabernet Franc using traditional Loire Valley winemaking techniques that emphasize freshness, balance, and fruit expression. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve bright red fruit, floral aromas, and the grape’s characteristic herbal and peppery notes. Maceration occurs for 12-20 days and extracts colour and soft tannins without creating an overly heavy style, while ageing lasts 8 months in tank to preserve freshness and allows it to go through malolactic fermentation.

TASTING NOTES

Pours a beautiful ruby to purple/magenta colour and exudes alluring, promising aromas of black plum, cassis, red berries, pine forest, a hint of mint, a soupçon of chocolate, and a whisper of smoke. Rich medium-bodied palate with fresh flavours of black cherry, black plum and cassis, featuring silky-smooth tannins on the mid-palate leading to a lingering toasty, mineral finish with echoes of black and bing cherry.