Domaine Dozon, Chinon, Loire Valley

 

After being in the DOZON family for 5 generations, the estate was taken over by Eric SANTIER in 2013.

Average Annual Production: 550 HL – 40,000 to 50,000 bottles. 90% red wine, 8% rosé and 2% white.

 

 

The Vineyard
 

• Size and location: 14 hectares (34.5 acres) situated at the named vineyard “Le Saut au Loup” at Ligré on the left bank of the Vienne River in the Loire Valley; altitude between 80 and 110 meters.

• Exposure: Ideal south/south-eastern sun exposure; sheltered by woods to the north and east. 

  Varietals: Cabernet Franc (97%) and Chenin (3%).

• Vine age: more than 70% of the vines are at least 35 years old

• Soils: Formed during the Upper Turonian and Senonian ages. Two soil types: clay and flint on the hilltops and clay-limestone on the hillsides; yellow tufa with some sandy and silty plots on the surface.

  Cultivation methods: natural sodding between all rows; goal: to gradually return to tilling the soil

The Wine: Chinon, C du Plaisir, 2017

Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: flinty-clay soils, on the left bank of AOC Chinon

Vine age: 40 years old

Vinification:  Manual harvest; vinification in cement tanks with a 10-day cold pre-fermentation maceration.Fermentation with indigenous yeasts; gentle extraction only by brief daily pumping over.   Malolactic fermentation also in tanks.

 

Technical notes:

 

Total acidity: 3.9g/l H2So4

ph: 3.70

ABV: 12.5%

Residual sugar: < 0.3 g/L

 

Tasting notes:
 

Appearance: bright and brilliant ruby color

Nose: very aromatic – small dark fruits with blackcurrant dominant. Notes of violets as well.

Palate: an eminently “quaffable” wine – soft, fresh, fruity

 

Serving suggestions:

Ideal temperature: 55-60 degrees F

Perfect pairings: delicatessen and smoked meats, aged cheeses, standing rib roast or roast beef

Enjoy now and through 2019.