In the glass
Aroma: fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, violet, green herb
Palate: red cherry, crisp fruit, soft tannin, saline length
Sand-and-gravel terrace Cabernet Franc from the river terraces around Savigny-en-Veron. Bright, light-footed and tank-aged for early drinking, lightly chilled.
What it pairs with
-
Charcuterie board
Light tannin and high acidity refresh cured-meat fat between bites. -
Grilled mackerel
Acidity and saline length cut through oily fish. -
Vegetable terrine with herb dressing
Fresh herb register echoes the wine's green-herb lift.
History
Les Barnabes is the estate's lighter, tank-aged cuvee, drawn from sand-and-gravel terraces along the Vienne. It is meant to be drunk young and lightly chilled.
- 1985 — Les Barnabes added to the estate range
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Olga Raffault
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Chinon AOC
- Oak
- Tank-aged for 8 to 10 months, no oak
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 14 to 20 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2 to 8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1985
Scores
- Vinous 88 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Les Barnabes
What does Les Barnabes taste like?
Fresh raspberry, wild strawberry, violet and green herb on the nose; red cherry, crisp fruit, soft tannin and a saline length on the palate. Light-bodied with low tannins and high acidity.
When should I drink Les Barnabes?
Drink between 2 and 8 years from vintage, lightly chilled to 13 to 15C. Best in its first few years after release.
What food pairs with Les Barnabes?
Charcuterie board, grilled mackerel, and a vegetable terrine with herb dressing are all strong matches.
What grapes are in Les Barnabes?
100 percent Cabernet Franc, from sand-and-gravel terraces along the Vienne at Savigny-en-Veron.