Domaine Olga Raffault
2021 Chinon AOC La Cuvée OR, le Chenin des Picasses
Le Chenin des Picasses has a richer, fleshy texture and perceived sweetness (despite fermenting dry) that drinks gorgeously now but will clearly age like a tortoise. Aromatically it is smoky and more honeyed, filled with dried-fruit character, polished by oak, with Chenin’s wonderful medicinal herb notes, a touch of absinthe and white pepper joining the medley.
Region: Chinon, Loire Valley
Appellation: Chinon AOC
Varietal/Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
ABV: 12.9%
Vineyard & Vine Age: Le Chenin des Picasses is sourced from Les Picasses, a south-facing slope in the Puys du Chinonais, north of Chinon and east of Avoine. The vineyard runs from 65 to 50 metres above sea level and is rooted in classic Chinon geology: Upper Turonian yellow limestone at the top of the slope, calcareous shell-bearing sands (millarges) through the mid-slope, and a narrow band of Middle Turonian white chalk at the base.
Cellar: The wine draws its olfactory complexity from its clay-limestone slopes, fermented and aged at lower temperatures of 16°C for over 12 months in old 600L oak barrels, introducing more air and lees contact to the wine, which receives frequent bâtonnage. Fewer than 2,000 bottles are produced.
CSPC: 123296
Region: Chinon, Loire Valley
Appellation: Chinon AOC
Le Chenin des Picasses has a richer, fleshy texture and perceived sweetness (despite fermenting dry) that drinks gorgeously now but will clearly age like a tortoise. Aromatically it is smoky and more honeyed, filled with dried-fruit character, polished by oak, with Chenin’s wonderful medicinal herb notes, a touch of absinthe and white pepper joining the medley.
TECHNICAL INFO
Varietal/Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
ABV: 12.9%
Vineyard: Le Chenin des Picasses is sourced from Les Picasses, a south-facing slope in the Puys du Chinonais, north of Chinon and east of Avoine. The vineyard runs from 65 to 50 metres above sea level and is rooted in classic Chinon geology: Upper Turonian yellow limestone at the top of the slope, calcareous shell-bearing sands (millarges) through the mid-slope, and a narrow band of Middle Turonian white chalk at the base.
Cellar: The wine draws its olfactory complexity from its clay-limestone slopes, fermented and aged at lower temperatures of 16°C for over 12 months in old 600L oak barrels, introducing more air and lees contact to the wine, which receives frequent bâtonnage. Fewer than 2,000 bottles are produced.
CSPC: 123296
Giovanni Autuori
Calgary + Alberta South
T: 403-971-1898
E: giovanni@vinoalvino.ca
Joe Gurba
Edmonton + Alberta North
T: 780-203-5284
E: joeg@vinoalvino.ca