Say ‘oui’ to Chi(non)
These two Chinons are absolutely terrific and are both under $30. One of them is under $20 (see below). These are perfect red wines for spring and pair beautifully with meats when a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah feels too heavy. We tried them with Harissa Beef Pitas from Blue Apron and they were fabulous. I don’t usually drink Cabernet Franc, but I think I do now.
So let’s start with the first question you might be asking:
What is Chinon?
Chinon is a town in the Touraine district of the Loire Valley in France.
Chinon is mostly known for red wine made with Cabernet Franc grapes. Lead pencil is one of the most predominant aromas. This wine is typically light to medium bodied, and not meant for long term aging, so enjoy it now.
There are also white wines (made with Chenin Blanc) and rosé wines (made with Cabernet Franc) from Chinon. I have yet to try one worth recommending that’s readily available in the States. I’ll let you know when I do.
These two red Chinons were a delight and I’d highly recommend both.
On the left:
Domaine de Pallus Chinon Les Pensées de Pallus 2017. This wine gets 92 points from Wine Spectator, and 91 points from both Robert Parker and James Suckling. It’s an opaque, ruby red wine, with vibrant aromas of tobacco, graphite, cracked pepper, dark cherries, and blackberry jam. It’s medium-bodied and fresh, yet savory, with dark cherry flavors. Both tight and elegant (try it, you’ll see what I mean), this wine has grainy, fine tannins. It’s a beautiful, luxurious wine for $29.97 at Wine Chateau. The 2018 is now available for $34.99 on Wine.com. A great wine for a spring Saturday night.
On the right:
Le Moulin Chapître Chinon 2020. This wine gets 93 points from Wine Enthusiast. It’s a terrific Cabernet Franc for just $19.99 on Wine.com. While it’s more transparent, this wine is also ruby red in color. It smells like white pepper, plum, and dried cherries. Let it sit for a few minutes and the lead pencil will just pop out of your glass. It’s silky smooth, with super fine tannins and more cherry flavors. This wine is sexy, yet still fresh, and comes from lovely old vines. If Les Pensées above is your Saturday wine. Drink this on Thursdays and Fridays.
Chin!
