Les Varennes "Franc de Pied" 2004
Les Varennes "Franc de Pied" 2004
○ Red wine - AOP Chinon
○ Sustainable agriculture
○ Cabernet Franc - 12.5% vol.
○ Data Sheet
Les Varennes Franc de Pied
A unique experiment using ungrafted vines, this rare cuvée reveals the Cabernet Franc of the pre-phylloxera era.
From vine to cellar
One-hectare experimental plot of ungrafted vines planted in 1982 in collaboration with INRA, replanted in half in 1992 and 1995. Located on the same terroir as Les Varennes du Grand Clos, this cuvée is vinified separately in the vintages that best distinguish its unique typicity. Yield limited to 30 hl/ha. Cold pre-fermentation maceration for 10 days, minimum vatting of 4 weeks and vinification below 21°C with frequent pumping over and punching down. Blending of free-run and best press wines for malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged for 15 to 16 months in partially renewed French oak barrels, followed by 6 months' maturation in vats. Long-ageing wine revealing the original Cabernet Franc.
The press is talking about it
Find out what wine professionals have to say
RVF 100
MILLENNIUM 2004
16/20 - RVF - Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France - "A nice improvement in the entry-level wines, with ripe and juicy 2008s. A very instructive tasting of Varennes du Grand Clos, in classic and Franc de Pied cuvée, puts both wines on a par in 2007 and gives an advantage to the Franc de Pied in 2004, by its fresh balance and its less severe tannins.