Structure

Bodylight
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2022 to 2028.
vintage2 yrs8 yrs10 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2022202088/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Light-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

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.

  1. 1985: Les Barnabes added to the estate range

Facts

Producer
Domaine Olga Raffault · visiting guide
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

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.

Tags

cabernet franc dry high acid light body low tannin medium term mood easygoing mood fruity mood refreshing occasion picnic occasion summer occasion weeknight old world pairs with charcuterie pairs with oily fish pairs with vegetable forward price everyday still red value pick

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