Bernard Baudry’s “Les Grézeaux” 2022 from Chinon AOC in the Loire Valley is a fine example of the region’s potential for producing expressive red wines. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc, this cuvée comes from old vines rooted in gravelly soils—hence its name, as “grézeaux” refers to such terroirs. The 2022 vintage benefits from favourable growing conditions, bringing both ripeness and freshness to the wine. Fermentation is traditional, often with indigenous yeasts, and ageing typically takes place in a combination of cement tanks and used oak, which allows the purity of the fruit and the vivid minerality of the terroir to shine through.
Chinon sits within the Touraine subregion, nestled along the banks of the Vienne River, a key tributary of the Loire. The area enjoys a moderate oceanic climate with temperate summers and mild winters, punctuated by the seasonal influence of the Loire and Vienne. The soils are varied but the “grézeaux”—gravel and sand over limestone—are particularly well-suited to Cabernet Franc, producing wines of suppleness, aromatic lift, and complex earthiness. Chinon’s winemaking heritage can be traced back to the Middle Ages, establishing a legacy of finesse and approachability in its reds, which are prized both for youthful fruit and capacity to age.
This vintage of Les Grézeaux offers bright red fruit aromas—think raspberry and redcurrant—interlaced with floral notes and a distinct graphite minerality. There’s a herbal freshness classic to Chinon, and gentle, integrated tannins. Pair this wine with dishes that echo its elegance, such as classic Loire pork rillettes, roast duck with cherries, or a simple poulet rôti. Local Loire goat cheeses like Sainte-Maure also make a delightful pairing, as would a mushroom risotto or grilled vegetables for a lighter option.
For optimal pleasure, serve Les Grézeaux 2022 slightly cool, at 15-16°C. A brief decanting of about thirty minutes will help open up its expressive bouquet. This is a wine that’s enjoyable now for its exuberant fruit, yet structured enough to evolve beautifully over the next 5-8 years.
