Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2018: best 2024 to 2038.
vintage6 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2020201891/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: raspberry, rose, wet pebble, tobacco leaf

Palate: red plum, red currant, graphite, mineral length

Gravel-terrace single vineyard along the Vienne, picked from vines averaging 50 years. Bright, lifted Cabernet Franc with rose, raspberry and pebble-mineral minerality.

What it pairs with

  • Roast duck with cherries
    Bright red fruit meets the wine's raspberry-rose register.
  • Lamb tagine with prunes
    Sweet-savoury North African spice picks up the wine's tobacco-leaf depth.
  • Pithivier of mushroom and chestnut
    Earthy autumn flavours mirror the wine's pebble-and-graphite minerality.

History

Les Varennes du Grand Clos is the gravel-terrace single vineyard that anchors Joguet's house style. Cabernet Franc planted on alluvial gravels above the Vienne, farmed organically.

  1. 1978: First vintage of Les Varennes du Grand Clos

Facts

Producer
Domaine Charles Joguet · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Chinon AOC
Oak
14 to 16 months in old oak demi-muids, no new oak
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 28 to 40 at retail
Drinking window
6 to 20 from vintage
First vintage
1978
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Les Varennes du Grand Clos

What does Les Varennes du Grand Clos taste like?

Raspberry, rose, wet pebble and tobacco leaf on the nose; red plum, red currant, graphite and a mineral length on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Les Varennes du Grand Clos?

Drink between 6 and 20 years from vintage. Decant 45 to 60 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Les Varennes du Grand Clos?

Roast duck with cherries, lamb tagine with prunes, and a pithivier of mushroom and chestnut are all strong pairings.

Where is Les Varennes du Grand Clos made?

From a gravel-terrace single vineyard along the Vienne river in the Chinon AOC, with vines averaging 50 years old.

Tags

cabernet franc cellar worthy dry firm tannin high acid medium body mood elegant mood savoury occasion cellar occasion dinner party old vines old world organic pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pairs with red meat price trade up single vineyard still red vegan

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