Clos du Chêne Vert Monopole AOC 2016

The Clos du Chêne Vert is located on the right bank of the Vienne, not far from the centre of Chinon. The vineyard reaches to the top of the hill. The Clos is named after the huge oak tree that characterises the vineyard and is said to have been planted by monks from Bourgueil in the 12th century. The vineyard itself covers two hectares and is much steeper than the Clos de la Dioterie. The soil is characterised by clay, lighter pebbles and deep-lying limestone. Because of the vineyard's location on the opposite bank of the Vienne with a southern exposure, it is always the one where the harvest begins. The Cabernet Franc receives a cool pre-fermentation at 10 °C for ten days. The maceration in wooden vats lasts around four weeks at temperatures of 21 °C at the most. As soon as the alcoholic fermentation is complete, the blending of the pre-fermentation wines and the best pressed wines for the malolactic fermentation takes place. The French oak barrels are partially renewed each year, so that about one fifth of the barrels are new and one to four years old. The vintages then mature for 15 to 16 months in wood, another six months in tank for harmonisation, and are then bottled.

slightly transparent garnet red with incipient brick-red rim

Comparing the 2016 Clos du Chêne Vert by which Clos de la Dioterie from the same vintage, it seems much more discreet and subtle. Some foliage, a hint of tomato leaves, plus peonies and violets combine here with some cherries and black olives.

On the palate, the wine blossoms, combining notes of cherries and olives with a slight extract sweetness and a still large portion of firm tannins and tart notes of undergrowth, foliage and stalks. Surprisingly, there is nevertheless nothing coarse in this Clos du Chêne Vert. It holds an impressive subtlety and complexity, appears floral and spicy, polished with freshness and charm.