2015 Couly-Dutheil Chinon (Cabernet Franc) "Clos de l'Echo" Loire, France
Couly-Dutheil's top single-vineyard wine is a richly structured wine with flavors of red and black ripe berry fruits. A strong smoky character comes through the rich fruits and acidity to produce a classic Cabernet Franc flavor.
From the Winery:
A definitive estate in Chinon, producing elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc whose vineyards include the famous “Clos de l'Olive” and “Clos de L’Echo” vineyards.
Terroir & Vineyard Practices:
Clay-limestone soils yield around 40 Hl/Ha of these Cabernet Franc grapes, on a south-facing slope. The vines average 45 years old, but the oldest are 75 years old. Leaves are thinned to increase ripeness, and grape maturity is tested and controlled in laboratories. Manually harvested, strictly selected grapes are destalked before crushing.
Tasting Notes
Dark, intense, and shiny ruby and purple color. Intensely flavored and complex bouquet with ripe grapes and spicy notes. Unctuous, voluptuous and generous palate with concentrated and elegant tannins. This wine has an aging capacity of 15 to 25 years. This is a wine for cellaring. Decant before serving.
Vinification
Controlled-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks, 2 week fermentation plus a 4 week maceration period allows for high concentration of fruit, tannin, and character. Tradtional and regular racking preceed egg white fining, which is followed by a maturing period in oak barrels, between 18 and 24 months according on the vintage quality. Wines are bottled 3 months after fining, and go on the market 3 years after the harvest.