Who makes it
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.
Where it grows
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.
How it is made
The 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.
What they make
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.