Domaine Grosbois - La Cuisine de ma Mère 2015

In 2018 and 2019, Nicolas Grosbois’s wines ranked among the best in their appellation; this talented winemaker from the Loire Valley skillfully cultivates his 9 hectares of Chinon vineyards using biodynamic methods. Those who don’t care for oaky wines will find much to enjoy at the estate, especially since the wines are sourced from the yellow sands of Panzoult: these soils impart more natural suppleness than clay-limestone soils. The “Gabarre” cuvée takes its name from the boats that once sailed the river; it features expressive, approachable tannins while retaining a peppery finish. The “Clos-du-Noyer” exhibits graphite notes that blend with black fruit, accompanied by an intense, lingering sap-like quality. With prices that remain reasonable and accessible, this is a true gem and highly recommended.

A former 15th-century fortified farmhouse situated on the hillside above Chinon. The Grosbois family has been growing grapes here since 1850; a long tradition carried on since 2008 by Nicolas, who explored the world of winemaking—in France and abroad (Chile, Oregon, Australia, etc.)—before taking over this 15-hectare vineyard.

The gentle, uniform slopes of the town of Panzoult consist mainly of “millarge”—yellow quartz-rich sands—on which Cabernet Franc produces Chinons that are less tannic than those grown on clay-limestone soils. “This sun-drenched terroir needs to be showcased,” explains Nicolas Grosbois, who joined the family estate in 2008 after spending ten years as a ‘flying winemaker.’ Having returned from New Zealand and Chile, this thirty-something has developed an aversion to oak. He ferments and ages his reds exclusively in tanks. His Clos du Noyer cuvée prioritizes the full expression of a flavorful grape, while emphasizing finesse. The new creation, Montet, born on a limestone slab, is one of Chinon’s great reds. Nicolas Grosbois is also a managing partner at the Domaine des Hauts Baigneux (Azay-le-Rideau).