2021 Philippe Alliet 'Vieilles Vignes', Chinon, Loire Valley

Philippe established his domaine in 1985 with his wife Claude, reuniting various parcels of vines that had previously been divided by his maternal grandfather on his retirement. He is dedicated to fastidious vineyard management, run according to organic principles. Their son Pierre is increasingly learning to master his craft, by working alongside his parents. The initial 8 hectares of vineyards that Philippe inherited from his grandfather are all located on the plain around the hamlet of Briançon, an area not renowned for the longevity of the wines it produces. However, his gravelly soils plot has an average vine age of 70 years and Philippe’s great attention to detail and care when tending to his vines has resulted in the superb ‘Vieilles Vignes’ cuvée.  Why do we like it? The wine is one of the references when it comes to Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley. Aged in 5-year-old barriques for 9-12 months, it was this wine that helped to secure Alliet’s stellar reputation in the appellation from the start. With a deep crimson color and intense cherry, blueberry and violet. The wine also has a leafy and graphite flavour profile. Truly superb, this wine deserves a spot in your cellar! Grape            Cabernet Franc Country        France                                       Region          Loire Valley Vintage         2021