Welcome to Wines Worth Exploring, a series where I shine a light on lesser-known wines from around the world. Whether you’re already curious about unique varietals or just starting to explore beyond the classics, these wines offer something new to discover. This time, let’s take a closer look at Chinon from the Loire Valley in France.
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley is often called the “Garden of France.” It’s one of the most diverse and scenic wine regions in the country, stretching from the Atlantic coast to central France. Known for its cool climate and limestone-rich soils, the region produces a wide range of wines. Find Sauvignon Blanc-based Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Chenin Blanc-driven Vouvray and Saumur, and fresh, mineral Muscadet from the west.
Red wines, primarily made from Cabernet Franc, shine in Chinon. There, the grape thrives in a mix of gravel, clay, and tuffeau limestone soils. Chinon wines range from bright and fruity to deep and structured, offering elegance and complexity with every sip.
Getting to Know Chinon
The Loire Valley includes four subregions: Central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, and Nantais. Chinon sits in Touraine, next to the Vienne River in the Middle Loire, where Cabernet Franc truly thrives. The region’s diverse vineyard sites and soil types give Chinon wines a range of flavors and intensities.
For example, vineyards near the river, with sand and gravel soils, produce light, elegant wines that can be enjoyed when they are young. The hillside vineyards with clay and tuffeau limestone soils yield fuller-bodied wines. These wines are often from older vines and can age well. While most winemakers age Chinon in barrels, they tend to use minimal new oak, allowing the grape’s character to shine.
Appellation Requirements
There are 51 regions, or AOPs (recently changed from AOC), in the Loire Valley. These geographic regions are divided based on specific rules—what grapes can be grown, maximum permitted yields, pruning type, among other standards.
For instance, in Chinon red wine is made from Cabernet Franc, with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon allowed. Rose and white wine can also be found, but in much lesser quantities. Similarly, rosé is made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines are made from Chenin Blanc.
Chinon Profile
Chinon tends to be lighter in style than Cabernet Franc from other parts of France, thanks to the Loire Valley’s cool climate. Still, the expression of Chinon varies depending on where the grapes are grown. As mentioned earlier, the sandy soils near the river produce lighter, more delicate wines with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and violets. In contrast, hillside vineyards create fuller-bodied wines with flavors of red cherry, redcurrant, clove, and mineral.
Pair it With...
What to pair with your Chinon depends, as always, on where it’s grown. The lighter styles are lovely with pâtés, charcuterie, or a simple picnic spread. For something heartier—steak, grilled meats, or pork—a more full-bodied Chinon holds its own beautifully.
And if you come across a white Chinon (grab it if you find one!), made from Chenin Blanc, consider it your perfect partner for goat cheese, fish, or anything fresh from the sea.
For more Wines Worth Exploring, check out my blog on Greco di Tufo from Italy. Or, click here to discover more about the Loire Valley.
