Lighter, Loire Valley reds for the summer
Chinon, and the Loire Valley more generally, is an often-overlooked appellation, or at least one that doesn't seem to get the attention and praise it deserves. But we know that Cabernet Franc (known locally as 'Breton') is a grape that can be transformed into serious, long-lived wines with rich, earthy notes, and a peppery quality that adds savour to the cassis and blackberry fruit. It also makes the kind of young, delightfully light-bodied reds that are perfect for drinking during the warmer months: still juicy, but with a distinctive, aromatic leafiness that dials down the fruit and makes a wine that is refreshing and complete.
Domaine Grosbois is a relatively new addition to the Uncorked range, but a property that can trace its presence at the family manor house 'Le Pressoir' to before the time of the French Revolution. The house sits between the communes of Panzoult and Cravant and all nine surrounding hectares are planted to Cabernet Franc (the clay soils that sit on top of limestone bedrock are much better suited to red wine production than Chenin Blanc). Nicolas Grosbois took over from his parents in 2008 after winemaking stints in Oregon, New Zealand and Chile, among various other far flung locations. He has overseen the property's conversion to 100% organic and biodynamic farming. He's also done away with oak, preferring concrete for both fermentation and ageing, focussing instead on freshness and a real purity of flavour across the Grosbois range.
The Cuvee Gabare is named after the lieu-dit in which this particular vineyard is situated. Grown on old vines, the fruit produces a wine with an intense core of concentrated dark fruit. But it's surprisingly fresh and elegant, with plenty of savoury pepper and a subtle but vibrant leafiness. This is a brilliant summer red wine alternative to the usual crisp, zesty whites and super pale, dry roses that dominate at this time of year, and with this kind of small-scale, quality wine making it's great value to boot. We also have the softer Chinon 'La Cuisine de Ma Mere' - similar to a Beaujolais, this goes through a cold maceration to produce a refreshing, juicy wine best enjoyed slightly chilled. The top cuvee from the Grosbois range is 'Le Clos du Noyer' which takes its name from a single hectare plot at the summit of the Grosbois estate where the vines are aged between 25 and 60 years old. The Clos du Noyer is an exceptionally refined, polished Chinon that is built to last. /RRS
Offered subject to confirmation; available immediately
