La Diablesse 2017

The grapes for La Diablesse are grown in Beaumont en Véron on the so-called Picasse terroir on pure clay-limestone soils. With a northern exposure, this terroir allows the perfect varietal expression of Cabernet Franc with ripe fruit and highly refined tannins with simultaneous freshness and finesse. On only 0.8 hectares grow the 80-year-old vines of this 100%igen Cabernet francs.

The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously with their own yeasts without chaptalisation in concrete to preserve the typical freshness of the terroir. Slow malolactic fermentation in 400 litre barrels , bottled after 11 months unfined and unfiltered with little sulphur.

Ruby red with purple reflections and black core.

Black cherries, mulberries, cassis and blackberries outline the nose, which always shines with fresh fruit. Rich in extracts with immense depth, aromas of black pepper, juniper and piment d'Espelette nestle up against the velvety fruit and are complemented vegetally by laurel along with cassis and blackberry leaves. Compact nose with deep, sonorous bass and cool nature.

The 2016 Chinon La Diablesse from Domaine de Coulaine combines concentration, extract and density with finesse, elegance and lightness. The juicy dark fruit is spicy underpinned by wild animal notes and is contoured by tightly woven, yet high-pile tannin of the quality of a precious Assam, which nestles up against the driving acidity. With cool grip and silky astringency, this fires up a drinking flow that makes the cups empty rapidly.