Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2019: best 2027 to 2044.
vintage8 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2020201891/100
Vinous reviewed 2022201991/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, violet, crushed stone, cedar

Palate: cassis, fine tannin, graphite, long mineral finish

The walled clos opposite Chinon's chateau, owned by Couly-Dutheil since 1921. Tuffeau-limestone terroir gives cassis, cedar and a chalky mineral length in the estate's flagship Chinon.

What it pairs with

  • Beef sirloin with bone-marrow shallots
    Rich beef and shallot reduction meet the wine's cassis and cedar register.
  • Roast venison with juniper
    Game and the wine's graphite spine align.
  • Sainte-Maure de Touraine
    Ash-rolled goat cheese sharpens the wine's mineral length.
  • Mushroom and chestnut pithivier
    Earthy autumn flavours mirror the wine's mineral and forest-floor depth.

History

Clos de l'Echo is a 15-hectare walled vineyard immediately adjacent to the Chateau de Chinon, said in legend to have belonged to Francois Rabelais's family. Couly-Dutheil has been its sole owner since 1921, making it a monopole.

  1. 1921: Couly-Dutheil acquires the Clos de l'Echo monopole
  2. 1985: Modern barrique ageing introduced under Jacques Couly

Facts

Producer
Couly-Dutheil · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Chinon AOC
Oak
12 to 14 months in oak barriques, around 25 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 24 to 38 at retail
Drinking window
8 to 25 from vintage
First vintage
1921
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Clos de l'Echo

What does Clos de l'Echo taste like?

Blackcurrant, violet, crushed stone and cedar on the nose; cassis, fine tannin, graphite and a long mineral finish on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Clos de l'Echo?

Drink between 8 and 25 years from vintage. Decant 60 to 90 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Clos de l'Echo?

Beef sirloin with bone-marrow shallots, roast venison with juniper, and Sainte-Maure de Touraine goat cheese are all canonical matches.

Where is Clos de l'Echo made?

From a 15-hectare walled monopole immediately adjacent to the Chateau de Chinon in the Chinon AOC, owned by Couly-Dutheil since 1921.

Tags

cabernet franc cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic mood contemplative mood elegant occasion cellar occasion special old world organic pairs with game pairs with mushroom pairs with red meat pairs with soft cheese price trade up single vineyard still red vegan

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Loire Valley

See all 280 bookable experiences in Loire Valley

← Back to wines in Loire Valley