COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2024
GRAPE
Cabernet Franc
PRODUCER
Domaine Jean-Maurice Raffault
REGION
Loire
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Domaine Jean-Maurice Raffault is a historic estate in the Chinon appellation of the Loire Valley, currently managed by Rodolphe Raffault. The 'Le Puy' cuvée is sourced from a tiny, highly prized 1.2-hectare parcel situated on a steep, south-to-southwest-facing slope overlooking the Vienne and Loire rivers. The vineyard is planted on Upper Turonian clay-siliceous-limestone soils, which impart a distinct mineral structure and elegance to the Cabernet Franc vines. Under Rodolphe's stewardship, the estate has transitioned to certified organic farming, focusing on low yields and precise parcel-by-parcel vinification to express the unique terroir of Chinon.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
€25
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Later
Ideal temperature
15-17°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
The Le Puy vineyard sits on a steep south-facing slope of Upper Turonian limestone, maximizing sun exposure for perfect grape ripening.
Fact 02
Aging takes place in ancient tuffeau limestone quarries, which provide naturally perfect humidity and cool, constant temperatures.
Fact 03
To keep added sulfites to an absolute minimum, the winery blankets fermentation tanks with CO2 recycled from other active vats.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for Le Puy is meticulous and traditional. Following a rigorous green harvest in August to concentrate flavors, the grapes are entirely hand-harvested and sorted twice. Fermentation is carried out using only native yeasts, with a long skin-contact maceration lasting up to a full month. To minimize the use of sulfur, the tanks are blanketed with carbon dioxide captured from other active fermentations. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is subsequently aged for 18 months on its fine lees in a combination of new and one-year-old 500-liter French oak barrels, housed deep within the estate's ancient tuffeau limestone caves.
