In the glass
Aroma: blackberry, crushed limestone, iris, graphite
Palate: dark cherry, chalk, espresso, dried herb
Old-vine Cabernet Franc from tuffeau limestone parcels at Ligre. Denser and more vertical than Les Chiens-Chiens, with dark berry fruit and a chalky, mineral spine.
What it pairs with
-
Beef cote de boeuf grilled over vines
Charred beef and the wine's chalky tannin grip are mutually flattering. -
Venison loin with bay and juniper
Game and the wine's iris-and-graphite spine align. -
Slow-cooked pork shoulder with prunes
Sweet-savoury pork meets the wine's dark berry fruit.
History
Pierre de Tuf is the Noblaie's flagship limestone cuvee, named for the tuffeau stone underlying the parcel. Bottled from old vines on the plateau above the Vienne since 2005.
- 2005 — First vintage of Pierre de Tuf
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de la Noblaie
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Chinon AOC
- Oak
- 18 to 20 months in 500L oak demi-muids, around 25 percent new
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 28 to 42 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8 to 25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2005
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 92 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Pierre de Tuf
What does Pierre de Tuf taste like?
Blackberry, crushed limestone, iris and graphite on the nose; dark cherry, chalk, espresso and dried herb on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, long chalky finish.
When should I drink Pierre de Tuf?
Drink between 8 and 25 years from vintage. Decant 60 to 90 minutes for younger vintages; the limestone structure rewards a decade of bottle age.
What food pairs with Pierre de Tuf?
Beef cote de boeuf grilled over vines, venison loin with bay and juniper, and slow-cooked pork shoulder with prunes are all strong matches.
How long is Pierre de Tuf aged?
18 to 20 months in 500L oak demi-muids with around 25 percent new oak, then bottle-aged before release.