In the glass
Aroma: red plum, black cherry, graphite, fresh tobacco
Palate: dark berry, iron, savoury herb, fine tannin
Bordeaux-trained Philippe Alliet's old-vine Chinon, picked from gravel terraces along the Vienne. Mid-weight, structured Cabernet Franc with dark fruit and iron-mineral spine.
What it pairs with
-
Rack of lamb with garlic and rosemary
The wine's tobacco and savoury herb meet rosemary-crusted lamb head-on. -
Duck confit with cherry chutney
Cherry on the palate echoes the chutney; rich duck is framed by tannins. -
Aged Comte 18 months
Nutty hard cheese sharpens the iron-mineral length.
History
Philippe Alliet trained in Bordeaux before returning to Chinon to apply Left-Bank barrique techniques to Cabernet Franc. The Vieilles Vignes cuvee draws from his oldest gravel-terrace parcels.
- 1978 — Philippe Alliet founds the domaine after training in Bordeaux
- 1985 — First Vieilles Vignes cuvee bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Philippe Alliet
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (100%)
- Classification
- Chinon AOC
- Oak
- 14 to 16 months in oak barriques, around 20 percent new
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 18 to 28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5 to 15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1985
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Wine Advocate 91 (2018 vintage, reviewed 2020)
- Vinous 91 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2021)
Frequently asked about Vieilles Vignes
What does Alliet Vieilles Vignes taste like?
Red plum, black cherry, graphite and fresh tobacco on the nose; dark berry, iron, savoury herb and fine tannin on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, long finish.
When should I drink Alliet Vieilles Vignes?
Drink between 5 and 15 years from vintage. Decant 45 to 60 minutes for young vintages.
What food pairs with Alliet Vieilles Vignes?
Rack of lamb with garlic and rosemary, duck confit with cherry chutney, and aged Comte 18 months are all strong matches.
How long is Alliet Vieilles Vignes aged?
14 to 16 months in oak barriques with around 20 percent new oak, reflecting Philippe Alliet's Bordeaux-trained approach.