Pascal Lambert 'Les Terrasses' Chinon 2021

Originally establishing Les Chesnaies in 1987, the Lamberts soon grew interested and then wholly passionate about organic viticulture, and by 1995 the domaine had converted entirely to organic viticulture. In 2005 they decided to get certified and earned the designation "BioEcocert," a highly respected French agricultural classification. But that wasn’t the only thing afoot. In the early aughties, ferreted along by Nicolas Joly and others dynamos in the Loire, The Lamberts undertook the challenge of biodynamic farming. This method creates an ideal harmony between vine, soil, and environment, thus producing the healthiest possible grapes from a well-sustained ecological domain.

No chemicals are used whatsoever on the pristine soils at Les Chesnaies. Various plants (in accordance with the biodynamics) such as mustard, oats, and rape, facilitate the absorption of mineral applications like copper, and allow nitrogen to settle which becomes important during fermentation. Soil is enriched with home-made compost and biodynamic preparations 500 and 501. Vineyards are plowed by horse and harvest performed manually. At the winery grapes are sorted manually. Fermentation does not include added yeast strains. The end result is succulent Chinons of exceptional grace, structure and elegance. They are deeply colored and dulcet, and an ideal alternative to Burgundy for food pairings.

A wild, musky nose of berries, roasted red pepper, and crushed herbs evolves into dense ripe red fruits on the palate. This delightful cab franc embodies what great Chinon can be. Displaying bright, clean fruit and classic Loire minerality, this would be perfect with a plate of sausage, mushrooms, and potatoes, or with pork chops or quinoa-stuffed peppers. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low intervention.