Chinon AOP - Château de la Grille - 2021

Food and wine pairing: This wine pairs perfectly with grilled white meats, charcuterie, poultry dishes like roast chicken, and soft cheeses such as Camembert or Brie. It can also be enjoyed on its own to appreciate its purity and finesse.

Year: 2021

Taste:The attack on the palate is fresh and fruity, with red fruit aromas that extend into fine, elegant tannins. The wine has good acidity, giving it a refreshing quality and a certain lightness, while still maintaining good structure. The aromatic bouquet is complex and expressive, offering notes of fresh red fruits (blackcurrant, raspberry, cherry) alongside more spicy and herbaceous touches that evoke the forest and black pepper. It may also display subtle hints of violet and damp earth. 

Tasting: 18°

The Estate and the Vineyard

The Baudry-Dutour estate is an iconic winery located in the Chinon appellation, situated in the Loire Valley. It is particularly renowned for its elegant and refined wines, crafted from the Cabernet Franc grape variety, which is the heart of the appellation.

History and Philosophy of the Estate: The estate was founded in the early 1990s by Jean-Marie Baudry, who gradually acquired high-quality vineyard plots in the best terroirs of the Chinon appellation. In 2000, he formed a partnership with Thierry Dutour, a passionate winemaker, and together they created the Baudry-Dutour estate.

The estate takes great pride in cultivating its vines with a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices. The viticulture is oriented towards respecting the terroir and the environment, with a goal to produce wines that reflect the purity and authenticity of Cabernet Franc.

Terroirs and Viticulture: The estate spans a variety of terroirs, from clay-limestone soils to more sandy soils, offering a great diversity of expressions of the grape variety. Some of the vines are located on the slopes of the Vienne Valley, benefiting from optimal sunlight and excellent exposure. The estate also includes parcels on sandier terroirs, which yield wines that are lighter and more fruity.

The vineyards are cultivated with great respect for natural cycles. The harvests are done by hand to ensure the optimal selection of grapes. The estate also favors practices such as reasoned pruning, soil work, and the use of biodynamic preparations to promote biodiversity in the vineyard.

Wines of the Estate: Baudry-Dutour produces a diverse range of wines that showcase the typical characteristics of Cabernet Franc. The wines are often marked by their great finesse, balance between freshness and power, and complex aromatic profiles.

- Chinon Les Granges: This entry-level wine is fruity and fresh, offering a beautiful expression of Cabernet Franc in its youth, with aromas of crunchy red fruits and soft tannins.

- Chinon Domaine Baudry: This more structured wine features deeper aromas and notes of dark fruits, with spicy nuances and a lovely length on the palate.

- Chinon Le Clos Guillot: This wine is from a unique, older parcel and stands out for its complexity, structure, and aging potential. It offers more powerful aromas and more marked tannins, making it an exceptional wine.

Style of the Wines: The wines of Baudry-Dutour are appreciated for their elegance and finesse. They are often marked by red fruit aromas (blackcurrant, cherry, raspberry) and slight spicy or herbaceous touches (green pepper, aromatic herbs). The texture of the wines is silky, with very fine tannins and a beautiful acidity that ensures excellent freshness.

Commitment to Sustainability: The estate is deeply committed to environmentally respectful practices. They are certified Organic and adopt cultivation methods that preserve biodiversity and soil quality. The winemaking process is also carried out in a natural way, with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself to the fullest.

The Baudry-Dutour estate is a prime example of passionate winemakers who have successfully highlighted the Chinon terroir while respecting sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture practices. Their wines are a true reflection of the Cabernet Franc grape, with a modern approach that still honors the traditions of the region.