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Grosbois ‘La Cuisine de ma Mere’ Chinon Rouge

2022

Bright and approachable Cabernet Franc that makes a delicious everyday dinner pick!

Domaine Grosbois is a 9 hectare estate run by two brothers, Nicolas and Sylvain. Their family vineyard is located at a place called 'The Pressoir' Panzoult in the Chinon appellation in the heart of the Loire Valley.

After spending 10 years as a 'flying winemaker' in New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Oregon, Nicolas took the reins of the family estate in 2008. His time making wine in the new world changed his classical French (wine) views, strongly believing in not vinifying and ageing in wood, choosing concrete instead to preserve the freshness and vitality. Sylvain similarly spent time abroad, making wine in Chile, Oregon and Australia. Together, the brothers are passionate about organic viticulture and sustainability.

The vinification for ‘La Cuisine de ma Mere’ changes a little each year depending on what the harvest gives you. Just like a chef in the kitchen, you must react and adapt with what ingredients you are given.

This Chinon comes from some of their youngest vines, designed for early drinking. Fabulously crunchy and fresh, it’s undeniably Cabernet Franc. Violet leads into juicy fruit – blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry – with pleasing graphite and herbaceous notes to keep you gripped.

On the lighter side, with very easy tannins, this is a wine that stands up very well to red meats, strong fish dishes, or is equally great quaffed with a cheese and charcuterie board.

Details

More Information
Wine Type	Red wine
Closure	Natural Cork
Alc. Vol	12.5%
Region	Loire
Country	France
Grape Varietal	Cabernet Franc
Food Pairings	Red Meat, Charcuterie

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France

France – the home of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – is arguably the world's most important wine-producing country. For centuries, it has produced wine in greater quantity – and many would say quality – than any other nation, and its attraction is not just volume or prestige, but also the variety of styles available.

The diversity of French wine is due, in part, to the country's wide range of climates. Champagne, its most northerly region, has one of the coolest climates, whereas Bordeaux has a maritime climate, heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the various rivers that wind their way between vineyards. Both in stark contrast to the southern regions of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, which enjoy a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

Terroir is also key. From the granite hills of Beaujolais to the famous chalky slopes of Chablis and the gravels of the Médoc, the sites and soils on which France's vineyards have been developed are considered of vital importance and are at the heart of the concept of terroir.

The Loire Valley

The heart of France, The Loire Valley follows a 630-mile course from a source near Beaujolais to the Atlantic Ocean, and is famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux, and great wine.

The region can be split into four main areas – lower, middle, central and upper Loire – each with numerous appellations and styles of wines. Whilst the plantings here are varied, you can simplify things by understanding that the Loire Valley is dominated by four major grape varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne and Cabernet Franc.

The Pays Nantais (Lower Loire) is all about white wines, notably Muscadet – the crisp, dry, sea-salt-y white made from Melon de Bourgogne. The Middle Loire – Anjou, Saumur & Touraine – is where Chenin Blanc gets into its prime (Savennières, Vouvray), where sparkling wines rule (Crémant de Loire), and where Cabernet Franc takes centre stage (Chinon, Saumur-Champigny). Central Loire is home to the most recognizable appellations for quality Sauvignon Blanc – Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. The Upper Loire or – Auvergne – is an ancient wine growing area of France, but a little harder to track down. Auvergne reds are usually made from Gamay and Pinot Noir, whilst the whites will often be Chardonnay.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, loved for its savoury, bell pepper-like flavours, medium-high acidity and mouth-watering red fruit taste. France is the largest producer of Cabernet Franc, but it is grown around the world, notably Italy and the USA.

Primarily used in Bordeaux Blends (with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), you’ll also find single-varietal Cabernet Franc wines. The most well-known appellations for Cabernet Franc are Chinon and Bourgueil within the Loire Valley.

Medium-bodied wines like Cabernet Franc can pair with a wide variety of foods due to their acidity and slightly reduced tannin. Enjoy alongside anything tomato-based, dishes containing fresh herbs or vinegar-based sauces.