About The Producer
Domaine Couly-Dutheil has become, over the years, a reference point for the appellation of Chinon and one of the Loire Valley's most famous estates. Established in 1921 by Baptiste Dutheil, then developed by his daughter, Madeleine Dutheil, and her husband René Couly, today Couly-Dutheil remains a family Domaine, owned by the third and fourth generation. Arnaud Couly is the fourth generation and current winemaker, having taken over from his father, Jacques Couly, in 2003. Couly Dutheil owns a total of 90 hectares of vines, 98% of which are Cabernet Franc. They sell 80% of their production within France, most of which is served at many of the finest restaurants in the country, including 21 of the 26 Michelin 3-Star restaurants. The multi-level, state-of-the-art facility is built into the limestone rock hillside and features a gravity-flow design to ensure maximum protection of the grapes and wine during each stage.
Terroir & Vineyard Practices:
Gravel and Siliceous soil produce this Cabernet Franc situated on hillsides and the tableland in West Chinon. The vineyards are managed using an integrated farming system based on biological methods, as well as control and testing of the grapes' maturity level in the laboratory before harvest. Grapes are harvested manually and carefully selected before destalking. Yields approximate 45 Hl/Ha.
Tasting Notes
Stunning aromatics and excellent structure. The nose features aromas of small red berries and burning piles of leaves. A fruity, soft, and unctuous palate shows charming tannins. This wine can be kept for 3-5 years.
Vinification
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The free-run and press wine juices are separated. Maceration takes 2 to 3 weeks, and racking is performed traditionally. The wine is allowed to mature in stainless steel vats for 9 to 10 months according to the potential of the vintage.
