Vin de chinon Vignes de Marc PlouzeauVin de chinon Vignes de Marc Plouzeau
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Chinon wine

Chinon wines, Rabelais, the Vienne and Cabernet Franc – A sensory adventure in the heart of the terroir

Ah!!! The soul of Chinon! Come and stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards, where every vine of Cabernet Franc tells a story and every glass is imbued with the character of Rabelais. Enjoy an experience where wine becomes a revelation for the senses, a journey between aromas, legends and the majestic landscapes of the Vienne. Don’t just read: live, taste, feel the authenticity of Chinon wines. It’s an invitation to travel – so, are you ready?

Tour the Chinon vineyards between history and vibrant terroir

The history of the vineyards in the town of Chinon

Walk the cobbled streets of Chinon, with the Royal Fortress overlooking. A truly enchanting sight! It was here that Jeanne d’Arc, on meeting Charles VII, changed the destiny of the kingdom of France. From the 4th century onwards, the vineyards began to develop. Waterways, the Loire and the Vienne accompanied its growth: they made it easy to export wine production, thus spreading its fame. Chinon wine was served at the courts of Henry II Plantagenet, Philippe Auguste and Charles VII. Some of the written records show that in the 13th century, Chinon was a wealthy town, and the cultivation of vines was no stranger to it.

Five centuries later, a new stage was reached: from their trading posts established in Nantes, the great Dutch merchants introduced Chinon wine widely outside France, to a wealthy English and Dutch clientele. As a result, the Chinon vineyards began to focus on the production of quality white wines. Yes, white! At the time, it was the white wines made from the Chenin grape variety that were prized.

Where can you taste and buy Chinon wines?

More than 150 winegrowers fly the Chinon Appellation flag high, making the most of the yellow-tinged tuffeau soil, which is clayey-limestone or clayey-sandy, and rests on deep chalky layers. In addition to the slopes of the Vienne valley, several of them have vineyards on the puys du chinonais, to the north of the town: on these hills, the highest of which rises to 88m, the heat is felt more strongly than elsewhere. But as always, in this world of passion and high standards, it’s best to come and see for yourself. In addition to the events scheduled throughout the year (winegrowers in the city, open days, vignes vins et randos…), wine tourism is experienced at the heart of many tourist cellars. From guided tastings to the oenological escape game to the contemporary scenography of cave de la Sibylle, they offer a wide variety of experiences to enjoy! The vineyards of Chinon await you.

Production of Chinon wines

Today, the Chinon vineyards cover 2,300 hectares and produce no less than 13 million bottles. Most of the production is now concentrated on red wine, produced as a single grape variety via Cabernet Franc, and very often matured in caves troglodytic, which offer an ideal temperature. The result is wines for laying down (1947, 1976, 1989, 1990…) that are not only well known to the French, but also to American (500,000 bottles a year are exported here), Canadian, British and Belgian oenophiles.

Explore the grape varieties cabernet franc and chenin blanc, at the heart of AOC Chinon

Cabernet franc, the soul of Chinon

Let yourself be bewitched by cabernet franc, the unique grape variety that thrives on the terroirs of Chinon. With its aromas of red fruits and spices, each tannin reveals the complexity of this terroir. This wine has an assertive personality, intense and gentle at the same time.

Chenin blanc, the rare pearl

If cabernet franc embodies the soul of Chinon’s reds, chenin blanc also finds a setting in which to express itself. With its fresh notes of white fruit and flowers, it echoes the luminous landscapes of the Vienne. Taste it, let yourself be surprised, and discover how this grape lends itself to a delicate, mineral experience.

The many facets of Chinon wine

The balanced power of Chinon red wines

These wines reveal notes of ripe fruit, undergrowth and sometimes even truffles. Experience the perfect balance between power and finesse. The winemakers of Chinon will be able to guide you in the art of wine tasting. So set off to meet them and listen to their passionate accounts of their cuvées.

The freshness of white Chinon

The white of Chinon invites you to a vibrant and surprising tasting experience. The minerality and notes of apple and pear will awaken your taste buds, Each glass of this chenin blanc is a discovery, a call to freshness and delicacy. Treat yourself to this unique experience in Touraine and let Chinon white accompany your meals, from Loire fish to goat’s cheese for example.

The lightness of Chinon rosé – A moment of pure conviviality

The rosés of the Chinon Appellation are imbued with summer sweetness and shared moments. Imagine yourself at the Guinguette de Chinon, with a glass of rosé in your hand, your feet in the water, and the warm atmosphere of a sunset! Succumb to this light, fruity freshness, ideal for summer evenings. Chinon rosé is a hymn to conviviality – let yourself be carried away by its lightness.

Where can you experience the wines of Chinon? Between tastings and discoveries

Visit the cellars of Chinon – An immersion in the heart of the terroir

To enter the cellars of Chinon is to discover a world apart: the caves troglodytiquesand the magic of barrel ageing! The humidity of the stone walls and the coolness of the barrels, allow the wines to benefit from perfect ageing conditions for the precious nectar. Cabernet Franc and Chenin wait here until they reach their full expression.

Take a diversion to Azay-le-Rideau and its surrounding vineyards

Don’t stop at Chinon! Just a few kilometres away, Azay-le-Rideau and the surrounding area await you for equally captivating experiences. Here, wine is enjoyed at charming estates, where the winemakers welcome you as friends. Explore these vineyards in complete freedom and let yourself be carried away by the charm of the troglodytic cellars and enchanting Touraine landscapes.

A little trip to the Guinguette on the banks of the Vienne – An idyllic setting for savouring Chinon wines

Let yourself be tempted by the Guinguette de Chinon, a place where conviviality reigns supreme. Take a seat facing the Vienne River, a glass of Chinon in your hand, and let the music and summer atmosphere enchant you. Here, time stands still.

The pleasures of the table in Chinon Gourmet pairings with Chinon wines

Discover Chinon’s culinary specialities

For the full experience, pair Chinon appellation wines with local flavours. Let yourself be tempted by rillons de Touraine, these pieces of preserved pork that go perfectly with a Chinon red, or try Loire fish with a mineral white. These gourmet pairings will awaken your senses and enrich every tasting experience. Don’t forget the goat’s cheese, whose flavour goes equally well with whites and light rosés.

Savour the perfect pairings for reds, whites and rosés

  • Reds with meat : Imagine coq au vin or stewed beef, sublimated by the tannins of Cabernet Franc. Each mouthful is an explosion of flavours, each sip a journey to the heart of the terroir.
  • Whites with Loire fish: Pair your fish and seafood with a fresh, mineral Chenin Blanc. Feel the harmony between the sweetness of the fish and the liveliness of the wine.
  • Rosés as an aperitif : Chinon rosé is the perfect ally for your aperitifs with friends. Light, fruity and fresh, they enhance the flavours of tapas and salads, and bring a summery touch to every moment shared.