2020 Domaine de Pallus Messanges Chinon Rouge

Retail $33

$22.88

/ bottle

You save $10.12

Stunning, Easy-to-Drink Cab Franc
Winemaker Worked at Mouton Rothschild
92 Point Vintage ~Wine Spectator
One of Loire Valley's Leading Producers
Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles

About the Wine

Bertrand Sourdais has been a strong name in the Spanish wine industry for many years; he was the mastermind behind Dominio de Atauta’s wines, a luxurious winery located in Ribera del Duero. But, even though he forged his name in Spain, his heart and soul always belonged in France, specifically in Chinon, where he grew up.

Chinon is one of the most enchanting cities in the whole country. This beautiful hillside city is located above the waters of the River Vienne and is responsible for producing some of the most delightful Cab Francs in the world.

In 2003, Bertrand decided to go back to his homeland, and take the reins of the family estate. Domaine de Pallus is located in Cravant-le-Côteaux, right in the heart of the Chinon appellation, and is blessed with some of the region’s finest vineyards, with vines of 45 years old on average.

In 2010, Bertrand started the biodynamic conversion of the vineyard, and in the cellar, Bertrand completely rethought the winemaking process to achieve the greatest quality and “capture the true personality of Chinon and his beloved Cabernet Franc.”

Bertrand’s expertise is not limited to Ribera del Duero and Chinon, he also proved his skills at Mouton-Rothschild in Bordeaux, Santa Rita in Chile, and with Alvaro Palacios in Priorat. He’s a very savvy and dedicated winemaker who has managed to position this estate among the finest in the region.

Messanges is a name that was given to Cab Franc in ancient times. This Cab Franc comes from Clos de Briançon’s vineyards, where the grapes thrive in sandy, silex soils. The result is an outstanding, young, fresh, and easy-to-drink Chinon.

2020 was a great vintage in the Loire Valley. Wine Spectator awarded this year a 92pt review and said this year "saw a very good growing season."

Aging: 6 months in cement tanks.

Tasting Notes

100% Cabernet Franc. This stunning Chinon is a juicy red wine with floral and spicy aromas, red fruit, licorice, and fresh herbs in the background. On the palate, it is smooth and easy to drink. Amazing acidity and a fresh finish. This wine is everything you would expect a Chinon to be, but better! Highly advise lightly chilling this wine while kicking back.