Philippe Alliet, ‘Villes Vignes’ Chinon Rouge 2020

Region: Chinon, France Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc Tasting Notes: Cabernet Franc is a misunderstood grape, producing wines that run the gamut from lean, mean, and green to high octane powerhouses that are almost indistinguishable from its closest relative, Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Loire Valley the style is most often the former, but there are a select few who make wines that are a very happy, and delicious, medium between the extremes. Perhaps none do this better than Philippe Alliet. His Vieilles Vignes Chinon is perfectly balanced–showing richly textured fruit and weight but without heaviness or over extraction. It’s got a little Bordeaux, a hint of Napa, and a lot of top tier Loire, and the 70 plus year old vines give it exceptional depth and complexity. This is a reference-point wine in the appellation, from a powerful vintage. It is unquestionably a worthy choice for your cellar. Producer: Alliet and his wife, Claude, have been collecting accolades in Chinon since 1983, when