Wines Chinon Domaine Grand Breviande - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Grand Breviande’s 2019 Chinon is an inviting red wine from the heart of the Loire Valley. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Franc, which is the signature varietal of the Chinon appellation, this wine showcases the elegance and freshness typical of the region. The 2019 vintage benefited from a relatively warm growing season, allowing the grapes to reach full ripeness while retaining their hallmark acidity. The terroir in Chinon is a mosaic of gravelly, sandy soils interspersed with areas of tuffeau limestone. This gives the wine its distinct mineral backbone, supple tannins and layers of red and black fruit, often accented by herbaceous and lightly peppery notes. The vinification in this area traditionally involves minimal intervention to preserve the vibrancy of the fruit, and ageing is usually done in stainless steel or large old oak vats, maintaining the purity and transparency of the Cabernet Franc.

The Loire Valley’s wine-growing heritage dates back to Roman times. Chinon, on the left bank of the Vienne, stands out as a historic stronghold of Cabernet Franc. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate with maritime influences, encouraging slow, even ripening and contributing to the wine’s balance between fruit and freshness. Chinon’s soils are essential to its style: tuffeau imparts finesse and lift, while sandier parcels yield juicier, more approachable expressions.

For food pairing, this Chinon’s vibrant red fruit and gentle tannins make it extremely versatile. It shines with traditional Loire cuisine, such as rillettes de Tours or duck rillettes, and classic French charcuterie. Its natural acidity and herbaceous undertones make it an ideal partner to roasted poultry, grilled lamb chops, or vegetable tarts. Try it with a chèvre cheese from the region, like Sainte-Maure de Touraine, for a true taste of the Loire.

To fully appreciate its complexity, serve Domaine Grand Breviande’s Chinon 2019 slightly cool, ideally between 15-16°C. Decant for 30 minutes to awaken all its aromatic nuances—expect a glass that combines approachability, freshness and subtle depth.