Les Picasses AOC 2022

Wine Description for Les Picasses AOC 2022 from Château de Coulaine

Character

The Château de Coulaine ranks among the respected addresses of the Loire when it comes to authentic Cabernet Franc. The Les Picasses displays the varietal elegance and cool fruitiness that make this region so distinctive. At 13% alcohol, the wine sits in that balanced range which allows both drinkability and structure – a Cabernet Franc that doesn’t seek to impress through over-extraction, but rather through finesse and precision.

Terroir & Origin

The Loire is the heartland of Cabernet Franc in France, and Coulaine lies in the Chinon region, where tuffaceous limestone and chalky soils lend the wines their characteristic mineral tension. The temperate Atlantic climate with cool nights preserves the freshness and aromatics of the grapes. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm, dry summer, resulting in healthy, concentrated grapes without compromising the typical Loire elegance.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Cabernet Franc from the Loire classically displays notes of red berries, graphite and spicy herbs – often accompanied by that subtle green pepper note that purists cherish. Château de Coulaine works traditionally and respectfully, vinifying the wines without excessive oak influence in order not to mask the purity of fruit and the expression of terroir. The result is a wine with silky tannins and vibrant acidity – approachable, yet certainly capable of ageing.

Food Pairing Recommendations

This Cabernet Franc is an ideal companion to French bistro cuisine: Rillettes, Terrine de campagne or Charcuterie harmonise beautifully. It also shows its versatility with grilled salmon, goat’s cheese (a Loire classic!) or mushroom dishes. With meat, we recommend duck breast, veal cutlet or beef fillet with herb butter – dishes that don’t overwhelm its elegance.