Domaine de la Haute Olive Chinon les Cornuelles 1989 750ml

This Chinon is sourced from two cabernet franc parcels in the Les Cornuelles vineyard: one with 60-80 year-old vines and the other with 100 year-old vines. These exposed slopes are south-facing and overlook the Vienne valley. The clay-limestone soils found here are covered with cornuelles (small hard white stones), giving this wine its name. Fermented in concrete, the wine is then aged for 15 months in 80% neutral foudre (ranging 10-50 years old), 20% barrique.

• Country: France
• Region: Loire Valley
• Appellation: Chinon
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red
• Alcohol by Vol: 13.5%

Varietal

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is not simply an important grape varietal for the fact that it is one of the most widely grown strains of vine in the world, but also because it is a vital grape in the production of many of the finest wines the world has ever seen. For centuries in its native France, it has been a varietal synonymous with elegance and high quality, and has become a key fruit in the production of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blended wines which have gone down in history thanks to their magnificent flavors, aromas and levels of aged complexity. However, Cabernet Franc is also a wine grape varietal for use in single variety, unblended wines, and has plenty to offer on its own. Most commonly, it is renowned for its wide bouquet, which often includes fascinating notes of tobacco, violets or bell pepper over a beautifully pale and decadent liquid.