Chinon: everything you need to know about the wines of this appellation

An emblematic city that has seen the greatest figures in the history of France pass through, from Henry II Plantagenet to Joan of Arc, Charles VII and then Rabelais, Chinon has always been renowned for its wines. A flagship vineyard in the Loire Valley, discover everything you need to know about the history, terroir and grape varieties of the wines of the AOC Chinon appellation. Also follow all our advice for creating the best food and wine pairings with white, red and rosé Chinon.

What is the history of the Chinon vineyard?

Made famous by Rabelais in his work Gargantua, the history of the Chinon vineyard does not begin in the Renaissance. Indeed, the cultivation of vines in the region has been attested since the Gallo-Roman era. In the Middle Ages, the royal nobility from Henry II Plantagenet, Count of Anjou and King of England, to Charles VII, Kings of France, participated in the development of Chinon wines throughout their kingdom. Continuing to develop during the Renaissance, thanks to the writings of Rabelais and up to the present day, the Chinon appellation is one of the most important in France.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Chinon appellation

Climate: Located in the westernmost part of Touraine, the AOC Chinon appellation benefits from an oceanic climate with a semi-continental influence. The Chinon vineyard also benefits from a warmer and drier climate than the rest of the region.

Soils: The entire AOC Chinon is based on a tuffeau subsoil characteristic of the vineyard. On this tuffeau subsoil, three terroirs coexist:

Sandy and gravelly alluvium. Clayey-limestone

Clayey-siliceous

The main grape varieties of the AOC Chinon appellation

The AOC Chinon appellation is particularly renowned for its red wines made from Cabernet Franc (which can be vinified as a single grape variety or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon). However, the appellation also produces rosé wine and white wine made from Chenin.

Cabernet Franc: an emblematic red grape variety of Loire red wines (Anjou and Touraine) and particularly of the AOC Chinon, Cabernet Franc also participates in the blending of Bordeaux wines alongside Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This very old red grape variety with aromas of red fruits, black fruits, liquorice and violet can also present characteristic notes of green peppers in the event of a lack of maturity.

Cabernet Sauvignon: a red grape variety resulting from the cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is the flagship grape variety of the Bordeaux region. Also grown in the Loire, it can be blended with Cabernet Franc in the red and rosé wines of the AOC Chinon. In this case, it brings its tannic structure and intense aromas of blackcurrant to the red wines.

Chenin: the white grape variety of the Loire par excellence, Chenin is available in all styles from dry white wine to sweet wine to crémant. It reveals a beautiful liveliness in the mouth and notes of white flowers, white fruits (apple, quince), citrus and honey.

What is the style of Chinon wines?

Eye: In red, the AOC Chinon offers wines with an intense garnet red color. Chinon rosé wines are salmon pink and the whites are pale yellow with golden highlights.

Nose: The red AOC Chinon wines develop aromas of red and black fruits (raspberry, blackberry, blackcurrant), sweet spices (cinnamon) and violet. The rosés offer intense aromas of red fruits (cherry, grenadine) and a slightly smoky finish. The dry white Chinon wines are both fresh and ample and are characterized by their aromas of white flowers, apple, citrus and honey.

Palate: The red Chinon wines have a fresh, racy profile and elegant tannins. The rosés are soft and fruity, while the white wines have a fresh and mineral palate.

Serving temperature: White: 8°-10°/Rosé: 10°-11°/Red: 13°-14°

Aging potential: White: 3 to 5 years/Rosé: 1 to 2 years/Red: 5 to 10 years

The best food and wine pairings with Chinon

Here are some ideas for dishes to accompany a fine bottle from an AOC Chinon red estate:

Charcuterie, rillettes and terrines

Capon stuffed with morels

Pork tenderloin

Lamb navarin

Duck parmentier

If you want to taste an AOC Chinon rosé wine, let yourself be tempted by:

Shrimp spring rolls

Provençal tomatoes

Crab salad

If you opt for a bottle from an AOC Chinon white estate made with Chenin, here are some ideas for food and wine pairings:

Andouillette

Tagliatelle with salmon

Veal kidney

On Avenue des vins, each estate is selected with the greatest care and the wines are available for delivery to your home, directly from the estate or château of your choice. Discover the Loire wines by tasting a red, white or rosé AOC Chinon wine, or any other appellation of France.