Couly-Dutheil Chinon Rosé René Couly Cabernet Franc 2021
We very rarely do Rose' wines but opened this one with some hearty artisan cheeses we picked up that were said to favor such wines. I was intrigued by this label that is 100% Cabernet Franc, a Bordeaux varietal normally produced as a bold spicy red wine or in the blend to add color, structure and spicy flavors. We served an aged Gouda, a Havarti and a Raclette cheese which we discovered when it was featured in our spectacular dinner the other night at 3-Michelin Star Alinea Restaurant.
Domaine Couly Dutheil is managed by Arnaud
Couly Dutheil, great-grandson of Baptiste Dutheil who founded the
Domaine in 1921. Established by
Baptiste Dutheil, then developed by René Couly who married Madeleine
Dutheil, the House of Couly-Dutheil has become over the years one of the great
name for Chinon wines. Today, Couly-Dutheil remains a family house owned by
the third and fourth generation.
The Chinon appellation surrounds the historic town of Chinon, and encompasses 26 communes on both sides of the Vienne River, a tributary of the Loire, up to the point where it joins the Loire. The terroir consists of alluvial terraces of sand and gravel that were deposited by the Vienne . The region enjoys a temperate climate
of
semi-oceanic type favorable to the cultivation of wine.
The Chinon region terroir has all the qualities
of the greatest soils, semi-oceanic climate that is exceptionally mild
and benefits of long sunny periods. The variety of soils and their
particular qualities allows the Cabernet Franc (98% of the vineyard plantings) to
express all its fineness and its celebrated “taffetas” within a range of
strong personalities.
The Couly Dutheil Estate owns 235 aeres of vineyards in Chinon and 17 acres in Turquant, in the Saumur and Saumur Champigny appellations. The best
plots of the Domaine are a showcase of the different terroirs of the Chinon appellation.
The Domaine contains the famous “Clos
de l'Olive” and “Clos de L’Echo” vineyards. Monopole Couly Dutheil Clos de l'Echo and Clos de l'Olive located opposite the fortress of Chinon, on clay-limestone soils,
with the presence of blue clays, the same ones that made the reputation
of the legendary Pétrus.
While Couly Dutheil is most known for its Chinon rosé, they also produce white
wines, a rarity for the Chinon appellation. Chinon blanc Les Chanteaux: exclusively from Chenin, a cuvée that requires 3 to 4 sortings produces a “tender dry” wine with aromas of white fruits and citrus
fruits.
Couly-Dutheil Chinon Rosé René Couly Cabernet Franc 2021
Wine pundit Roger Voss of Wine Enthusiast says, "Pure Cabernet Franc gives this wine both its smooth texture and perfumed character. Vanilla and ripe strawberry fruits make a comfortable mélange of flavors. Drink the wine now". Roger Voss WE 87 points.
Pink colored, light medium bodied, aromatic with floral and stone fruit notes, nicely balanced for pleasant easy drinking although it is firmly structured such that it could be an aperitif or stand up to food or hearty cheese. Such was the case tonight and it proved to be a wise choice for pairing.
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