Domaine de Pallus 2018 'Pensees de Pallus' Chinon AOC

About the Wine: Since 2004 vintage debut, Pensées de Pallus has grown in stature with each passing vintage. It is assembled from the estate's best parcels with the aim to define Chinon in a glass. Bertrand Sourdais blends grapes grown on limestone clay for aromatics, heavier clay for power, and sand for finesse. It reveals classic Loire Valley Cabernet Franc aromas and flavors, but with remarkable precision and the kind of textural depth that is rarely seen in Chinon. As with all of Bertrand's wines, this Chinon has freshness, balance, and acidity.

Vineyard Notes: The estate holds around 30 small parcels located in Cravant-les-Coteaux within the heart of the Chinon appellation. Soils range from heavy, limestone-rich clay to sand. Most of Chinon is a valley; however, Bertrand's plots are mostly located in the hills that contain limestone. Bertrand employs a thoughtful adaptation of biodynamics; he listens to his vines instead of being strictly dogmatic. The vines for Pensées have an average age of over 35 years old.

Winemaking Notes: Bertrand utilizes an extremely long, gentle maceration (over 30 days) to capture the soul of his Cabernet Franc. The wine ferments in concrete tank. It then spends 12 months in used Burgundy barrels. Once bottled, Pensées de Pallus spends two years in bottle. The wine is filtered and not fined.