Olga Raffault Les Barnabés | Chinon

2007

SOLD OUT

Marvelous Cabernet Franc from one of the top Domaines in Chinon, founded by Olga Raffault—the 1st female vigneron in France—and now run by her granddaughter, Sylvie. Very pure, delicious red Loire—an exceptional wine at this price.

The Press

‘From sandy and gravelly soils in Savigny-en-Véron. Pale ruby and lovely wafts of Cabernet Franc scent. A relatively delicate Chinon, and none the worse for that since it is clearly Chinon—just not especially dense. Lovely for current drinking. 17/20.’— Jancis Robinson MW.

‘Wine of the Week: Very clear, crisp, bright and crunchy blackberry and raspberry fruit, but a decisive tang of something mineral and smoky too. On the palate, it is very fresh indeed - it is the antithesis of big, vanilla-rich Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs, instead being lithe and crisp, with plenty of acidity and an almost white wine-like vibrancy.’— Tom Cannavan, Wine-Pages.

Our tasting notes

Lightly burnt nose with lots of good minerality here from the sand and gravel soil—very fresh, well made wine that brings the summer on. Serve at slightly below room temperature—almost but not quite chilled.

Wine data

Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: AC Chinon
Alcohol: 12.5%

About Chinon:

Chinon is one of the most significant appellations in the Tourraine district of the Loire valley. It is renowned, above all, for its 100% Cabernet Franc red wines introduced into Chinon by Cardinal Richelieu as he considered it the finest of grapes. It does also produce a small amount of Rosé and an even smaller amount of white.

These red wines, along with other Cabernet Franc wines from around the Loire Valley, are extremely popular in restaurants around France but are yet to be exported on a large scale. Grown on limestone, gravel and sand soils the wines tend to be refreshing, light to medium bodied and often heavily scented with good fruit and acidity.

Prices are all-inclusive for deliveries within the Republic of Ireland. Minimum total order is 1 case (12 bottles of 75cl equivalent) and may be mixed 2 cases (24 bottles of 75cl equivalent) of your choice. We use recycled boxes for our mixed cases to help protect the environment. For more details, please view our ordering information or contact us on 01 845 7645 or info@fromvineyardsdirect.ie