Château La Grille 2021, from the Chinon AOC in the Touraine sub-region of the Loire Valley, is a red wine predominantly crafted from the Cabernet Franc grape, which is the signature varietal of the appellation. The 2021 vintage presents a wine that skilfully balances freshness and ripe fruit, reflecting both competent vineyard management and careful vinification typical of the estate. The terroir of Chinon is known for its diverse soils composed mainly of tuffeau limestone, clay, and sandy gravel, imparting the wines with both aromatic finesse and a subtle minerality. This particular vintage, vinified in stainless steel and sometimes with partial ageing in oak barrels, expresses characteristic notes of redcurrant, raspberry, and a hint of violet, underpinned by a gentle, peppery spiciness and supple tannins.
The Chinon region, set along the banks of the Vienne River in the central Loire, benefits from a mild, semi-continental climate with moderate rainfall and significant diurnal temperature variation, which ensures gradual grape ripening and preserves acidity. Historically, Chinon has been celebrated since the Middle Ages for producing elegant and aromatic reds, with deep connections to French literary and royal heritage. The unique geology, a patchwork of free-draining gravel and limestone, provides the Cabernet Franc with an ideal environment to develop its distinct savoury and floral character.
For food pairings, Chinon’s versatile style makes it a wonderful partner for both rustic and refined cuisine. Its moderate body and fresh acidity pair beautifully with classic Loire dishes such as rillettes de Tours, roast lamb with thyme, or duck breast with berries. Equally, it complements simple fare like grilled vegetables, charcuterie boards, or goat’s cheese, a regional staple. For a perfect match, consider local mushrooms sautéed in butter or chicken with tarragon sauce.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chinon at a cool 15-16°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help the youthful aromas to open up, revealing greater depth and elegance. This wine can be appreciated now for its vibrancy, or cellared for a few years for added complexity.
