Chinon
Chinon is on the left bank of the Loire river and along the Vienne river, at the heart of the Loire Valley.
Chinon wine area is the birthplace of Rabelais, one of the greatest french writer. He was a strong Chinon wine lover. He once owned Clos de l'Echo, a famous local winery.
Chinon produces mostly red wine. They are based on Cabernet Franc grape variety, known as Breton in the region.
Chinon is quite similar to Bourgueil. Chinon is maybe a little bit lighter. Chinon is a fresh and supple red wine with a distinguished violet aroma.
There is also an interesting dry and elegant rosé wine but quite difficult to find.
Chinon wine information:
| Name: | Appellation Chinon Controlée |
| Location: | South West of Tours, along the Vienne river | | Places: |
18 villages: Anché, Avoine, Avon-les Roches, Beaumont-en- Véron, Chinon, Cravant-les-Coteaux, Crouzilles, Huismes, l'Ile Bouchard, Ligré, Marçay, Panzoult, Rivière, La Roche Clermault, Saint-Benoit, Savigny-en-Véron, Sazilly, Tavant, Theneuil |
| Soil: |
Limestone, gravels |
| Size: |
2,000 ha (5,000 acres) |
| Production: |
6 million bottles |
| Grapes: | 95 % Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon | | Type of wines: |
Light and fresh red wine
Also fruity rosé and dry white wine |
| Age: |
Red: up to 8 years |
Vintages: (recommended) |
2005,
2004 |
| Aromas: | Red fruits
Violets
| | Food: | Soup
Omelet
Ham
Rabbit
BBQ
| Cheese: | Emmental
Reblochon
Saint Nectaire
Appenzell
Next: Coteaux du Layon |
More pages about Loire Valley: Loire region
Wines from the Loire Valley: muscadet - anjou - coteaux du layon - saumur - touraine - bourgueil - chinon - vouvray - pouilly fumé - sancerre
About Loire wine region: loire wine information - loire region information - loire valley wine map - loire wine history - wine making in loire valley - loire wine and food - buy wine - loire valley main page
Other french wine regions: Alsace - Bordeaux - Bourgogne / Burgundy - Champagne - Corsica - Cotes du Rhone - Languedoc Roussillon - Provence - South West |

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