COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Cabernet Franc
PRODUCER
Domaine de Pallus
REGION
Loire
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
Domaine de Pallus, located in Cravant-les-Côteaux, has been in the Sourdais family since 1891. In 2003, fifth-generation winemaker Bertrand Sourdais returned to the estate after earning international acclaim in Spain's Ribera del Duero. He revolutionized the property by transitioning to biodynamic farming and focusing on parcel-specific vinifications. 'La Rougerie' is considered the estate's crown jewel, sourced from a single-vineyard parcel of old vines planted on a steep, south-facing slope with unique clay and limestone soils. It represents the pinnacle of Chinon Cabernet Franc, showing incredible depth, complexity, and aging potential.
ALCOHOL
14.0%
AVG. PRICE
€60
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
YES
SULPHITES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
16-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Winemaker Bertrand Sourdais is nicknamed 'the El Cid of Ribera del Duero' for his acclaimed work in Spain before returning to Chinon.
Fact 02
La Rougerie is a tiny, south-facing parcel with limestone-rich soils that yield some of the most concentrated Cabernet Franc in the Loire.
Fact 03
The estate has been fully biodynamic since Bertrand Sourdais took over, aiming to capture the purest expression of Cravant-les-Côteaux terroir.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The grapes are hand-harvested with strict sorting in both the vineyard and winery. Fermentation occurs in concrete vats using native yeasts, with a gentle maceration lasting up to 30 days to extract fine, structured tannins. The wine is aged for 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels, primarily neutral to preserve fruit purity, followed by additional refinement in concrete tanks before bottling. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to maintain its natural texture and complexity.
