Olga Raffault 'Les Barnabes' Chinon 2021 Loire Valley, France

Taste 😋: Medium bodied with smooth tannins. This has complex characteristics of raspberries, plums, violets, citrus and black pepper. The palate is concentrated and deep while still being light and refreshing.  

Producer: Sylvie and Eric de la Vigerie

Grape 🍇: Cabernet Franc

Place 🌎: Loire Valley, France

Story 📖: The domaine stands as a true benchmark for Cabernet Franc wines, renowned for producing age-worthy Chinons that have become a hallmark of the Loire Valley. Olga Raffault took the reins of the winery in 1947 after becoming a widow, with the support of Ernest Zenninger, a German prisoner of war whose expertise helped shape the domaine’s early success. Today, her legacy is preserved by her granddaughter Sylvie Raffault and Sylvie’s husband, Eric de la Vigerie, who remain dedicated to upholding the estate’s tradition and commitment to quality.

Les Barnabés is a sandy, gravelly site that produces a lighter, more approachable style of Cabernet Franc, ideal for earlier drinking. The vineyard is organically farmed, with grapes harvested by hand, destemmed but not crushed. Fermentation and aging take place in tanks using native yeasts, preserving the purity and freshness.

Pairing 🍽: Eggplant caponata