2020 Chinon Rouge Les Champs / Domaine de la Noblaie (France, Val, de, Loire)
- Producer
- Domaine de la Noblaie
- Region
- Val de Loire, France
- Appellation
- Chinon
- Vintage
- 2020
- Price
- ¥3,850
- Availability
- Sold out — we may be able to source it
Domaine de la Noblaie Located just a 15-minute drive from the Château de Chinon, this estate has been engaged in agriculture, including viticulture, for centuries, bottling its first estate wine in 1953. In 1968, François Billard, a graduate of the National School of Agricultural Engineering in Bordeaux, took over the domaine and gradually expanded the vineyards. François also contributed significantly to the development of Loire wines by teaching oenology at a local viticultural school, mentoring numerous young Loire producers. In 2003, his son Jérôme Billard, the current proprietor who trained at prestigious estates such as Pétrus in Pomerol, took the reins. Under his leadership, the estate remains dedicated to continuous quality improvement while crafting wines that honor both the terroir and the unique character of each vintage. Most of the estate's vineyards lie adjacent to the winery, surrounded by dense woodlands that act as a natural shield. Situated near the top of a southeast-facing basin, the vineyards are sheltered from surrounding weather patterns, creating a distinct microclimate. The soil consists primarily of "tuffeau"—a type of marine limestone—overlaid with clay-dominant topsoil, which imparts richness, structure, and excellent aging potential to the wines. While Cabernet Franc accounts for roughly 98% of Chinon's total 2,300 hectares, with Chenin Blanc occupying less than 50 hectares, this historic domaine is fortunate to own 5 hectares of precious Chenin Blanc alongside 19 hectares of Cabernet Franc. Since most parcels are contiguous to the estate, the team can closely monitor the vines daily, allowing for the meticulous care and rapid response essential for successful organic farming (biologique). Guided by the philosophy that limiting yields is the only way to elevate quality, they practice rigorous debudding and green harvesting. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, carried out in multiple passes (tries) to ensure optimal ripeness. For Cabernet Franc, harvesting is split into two or three passes depending on early- and late-ripening parcels. For Chenin Blanc, which tends to ripen unevenly, the grapes are meticulously selected bunch by bunch over four separate passes. 100% Cabernet Franc. Sourced from vines aged 35 to 55 years planted in several clay-siliceous (silex) plots located directly behind the domaine. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for approximately three weeks, with pump-overs (remontage) twice a day and no punching down (pigeage). The wine is then aged for 15 to 18 months in 500-liter oak casks (10% new oak). It offers spicy aromas, a powerful and fleshy palate, and a robust finish with firm, structured tannins, making for a highly satisfying and substantial wine. Importer: Finesse Co., Ltd.
We are a wine merchant in Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan. What is listed here is only a part of our cellar — please write to us if you are looking for something in particular.
