Sandrine et Fabrice Gasnier - Chinon Pierres Chaudes 2021

Fabrice Gasnier, the new president of the Chinon winegrowers’ association, has been managing this 31-hectare family estate in Cravant-les-Côteaux—a mecca for clay-limestone soils—using biodynamic methods since 2006. The Graves opens the red wine lineup with astonishing mineral depth; L’Ancienne takes it a step further in power, and the Vieilles Vignes cuvée continues this progression with more refined tannins. The Queue de Poêlon cuvée, aged in concrete tanks crafted by the producer himself, offers a rare richness. The two vineyard plots, with vines ranging from 70 to 75 years old, contribute to the signature cru, designed for long-term aging. Priced from 7 to 19 euros, these wines offer value for money that is hard to beat in the region.

For four generations, the Gasnier family has been running this estate in Cravant-les-Coteaux. Fabrice tends to 29 hectares, all planted on light-textured soil. His wines showcase the floral notes and delicate textures—never overly long on the palate, yet so easy to drink—that have made the Chinons of Rabelais legendary. “Queue du Poëlon,” which highlights a plot of 60-year-old vines, is aged in concrete tanks.