For refined, classically-styled Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, look no further than Domaine Olga Raffault’s Chinon. Established by Pierre and Olga Raffault in 1931, the domaine survived Pierre’s tragic death in 1947 thanks to the work of Ernest Zeinninger, who introduced quality-focused, minimal intervention farming at a time when chemical use was widespread in the Loire. Taking over in 2000, Olga’s granddaughter Sylvie and her husband Eric de la Vigerie quickly achieved organic certification and critical acclaim without previous winemaking experience. With their son Arnaud, they farm some of Chinon’s prime acreage. 100% Cabernet Franc, the fruit is destemmed and fermented uncrushed for about 15 days. Aged in stainless for six months prior to bottling, this wine is a fresh and approachable Chinon with crisp blackberries, and plums, fresh herbs and black tea, with driving minerality. 14.5% ABV
