Viniou Reviews
Domaine La Noblaie’s “Le Temps des Cerises” 2020 is a wonderful Chinon red, expressing the quintessence of its appellation’s charm. The wine is made predominantly from Cabernet Franc, the hallmark grape of Chinon, and offers a captivating blend of bright, juicy fruit and structural finesse. This organic cuvée embodies the fresh character of its vintage, with vibrant acidity and finely textured tannins. The 2020 season in the Loire brought generous sunshine and cool nights, resulting in grapes of beautiful ripeness while retaining the crunchy freshness so typical of the region. The vinification at Domaine La Noblaie is thoughtful and restrained, accentuating the purity of the fruit and the subtle nuances imparted by the terroir, with minimal intervention and a gentle touch throughout the process.
The Chinon appellation is part of the picturesque Touraine subregion, itself a cornerstone of the Loire Valley’s viticultural heritage. The region’s soils are a complex mosaic of sand, gravel, and the famed tuffeau limestone that lends Chinon wines their distinct mineral profile and aging potential. Chinon's climate is moderated by both continental and Atlantic influences, allowing for long ripening seasons that favour Cabernet Franc’s elegance and aromatic complexity. Historically, the Loire has been a source of regal wines enjoyed for centuries, with Chinon especially prized for its food-friendly, vivid reds.
“Le Temps des Cerises” is naturally at home alongside classic Loire Valley fare, especially rustic dishes such as rillettes de porc, roasted duck breast with cherries, or a confit de canard. It also matches beautifully with earthy vegetable tarts, grilled lamb chops, or firm goat’s cheeses like Valençay. For a more casual pairing, try it with charcuterie and crusty sourdough.
To enjoy its youthful vitality and aromatic freshness, serve this wine slightly cool, ideally between 14 and 16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes can help the wine open up, revealing layers of red fruit, subtle spice, and a pleasing, stony finish. This is a wine that can easily be enjoyed now, but also has the pedigree to reward a few years of cellaring.
