At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Loire Valley, Indre-et-Loire
- Home village
- Cravant-les-Coteaux
- Main red grape
- Cabernet Franc
- Signature wine
- Les Graves Chinon 2023
- Defining feature
- Demeter certified biodynamic viticulture
The Producer
Cravant-les-Coteaux is home to a domaine established in 1950 and covering approximately 31 to 32 hectares. Valentin Gasnier and his wife Cynthia are identified as the fifth generation current operators. Les Graves is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, while the red range also includes Vieilles Vignes and Signature.
The domaine's red wines are described through energy, purity, and invigorating minerality. White and sparkling wines extend the range beyond its Cabernet Franc reds.
Place
The domaine is located in Cravant-les-Coteaux, in Indre-et-Loire. Les Graves carries the Chinon name and is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. The wine therefore presents the local appellation name alongside the grape that defines the bottle.
Story
Valentin Gasnier and his wife Cynthia are identified as the fifth generation current operators of a domaine established in 1950. In 2008, the domaine gained Demeter certification for biodynamic viticulture. The certification marked a deliberate move toward biodynamic farming on the south facing slopes of Cravant-les-Coteaux.
Vineyards And Cellar
Biodynamic work at the domaine includes plant based preparations and respect for lunar calendars. Les Graves is hand harvested, made with whole clusters, and skin macerated in small concrete tanks for 20 days before spontaneous fermentation. The wine then ages in steel tanks with natural yeast sediment.
Whole clusters leave the stems with the grapes during maceration. This can add perfume and grip, while concrete provides a neutral vessel for fermentation and steel keeps the ageing environment free from oak flavour.
Wines
Les Graves is the domaine's 100% Cabernet Franc Chinon, described as expressing the juicy directness of vines 40 years old. Vieilles Vignes has concentrated and spicy red fruit with a plush texture. Signature completes the named red range, while white and sparkling wines broaden the selection.
The red collection is described through energy, purity, and invigorating minerality. Les Graves gives the range its juicy directness, and Vieilles Vignes brings greater concentration and spice.
In The Glass
Les Graves is purple, opaque, and bright in the glass. The nose brings deep black cherries, leather, and slight floral and chalk aromas. On the palate, black cherry meets slight bell pepper and leather. It is full bodied, with medium tannins, nice acidity, and a long finish.
A Bottle To Understand It
Open Les Graves Chinon 2023 first. The wine is 100% Cabernet Franc and contains 12.5% alcohol. Its label names the Chinon wine and the 2023 vintage, while the bottle gives a direct view of the domaine's principal red grape. The release has a drinking horizon of 8 to 12 years.
Final Word
Domaine Fabrice Gasnier combines Cravant-les-Coteaux, biodynamic farming, and Cabernet Franc red wines, with Les Graves carrying the Chinon name.