Domaine Fabrice Gasnier Vieilles Vignes 2022

In 1990, at the age of 21, Fabrice Gasnier — after formative stints in Entre-Deux-Mers, Champagne and Burgundy — returned to his Chinon roots to make wine with his father Jacky in 1990. The estate comprised of 25 hectares, all within the commune of Cravant-les-Coteaux. The age of the vines average 45 years and are all south-facing, an imperative characteristic given the marginal climate of Chinon. A fourth-generation winegrower and vigneron, Fabrice employs biodynamic techniques in farming (certified since 2008), no pesticides or herbicides; yields are extremely low. The estate’s gradual transformation to organic, then biodynamic farming invigorated their vines, allowing them to reach deep into the limestone bedrock. As a result, Fabrice’s wines are aromatic and racy with great concentration and length. Delicious upon release, but they are excellent candidates for short-term aging.

Fabrice’s Chinon Vieilles Vignes — 100% Cabernet Franc — is sourced from two old-vine parcels that are at least 50 years old, grown on siliceous clay and flint clay over limestone subsoils. Gasnier’s old-vine Chinon is a vibrant, fruity wine, redolent of cedar and fresh blackberry and raspberry kissed with spice. Vinification in neutral wood maintains the wine’s pristine fruits. Young, juicy and ripe, this Chinon possesses a great streak of minerality, speaking clearly to its chalky origin. From start to finish, the Gasnier Chinon Vieilles Vignes displays wonderful concentration and richness, yet remains fresh and tremendously drinkable. A fantastic accompaniment to roasted meats and poultry, this wine also pairs well with dishes with varying levels of spice.