Domaine Olga Raffault Les Picasses Chinon

Domaine Olga Raffault's Les Picasses Chinon is a standout example of the potential of the Cabernet Franc grape in the Loire Valley. The wine hails from the Les Picasses vineyard, one of the most revered sites in the Chinon appellation, known for its exceptional terroir featuring clay-limestone soils over a limestone base. This family-run estate, overseen for decades by Olga Raffault and now by her descendants, employs traditional viticulture methods and is committed to organic farming practices. The wine is fermented using native yeasts and aged in old oak barrels, preserving the natural expression of the fruit and terroir. The resulting Chinon is both robust and elegant, with a complex bouquet of dark fruits, bell pepper, and earthy undertones. Its firm tannins and balanced acidity provide excellent aging potential, though the wine is also approachable in its youth.