Region: Chinon, Loire, France

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc

Producer: Joseph Mellot is one of the signature names of Chinon, with a history rooted in traditional Loire craftsmanship and a reputation for combining fresh varietal clarity with aging potential. Over the years, Mellot has become a benchmark for Franc-driven wines that can be both approachable and cellar-worthy. The “Les Morinières” bottling is considered a solid entry-level Chinon that punches above its weight, offering a dependable balance of freshness, structure, and varietal character.

Vineyard & Winemaking: “Les Morinières” is made from Cabernet Franc grown on clay-limestone soils typical of the Vienne river terraces in Chinon. The 2022 vintage benefited from a relatively favorable growing season, yielding healthy fruit with good aromatic lift. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats using native yeasts, followed by aging in stainless steel as well (i.e. no new oak), with gentle handling to preserve freshness and purity. The vineyard practices lean toward reasoned agriculture, minimizing inputs and focusing on vineyard health.

Tasting Notes: The 2022 “Les Morinières” shows a deep garnet with purple rim. Aromatically, the wine greets you with black cherry, violet, and a floral lift of rose petal, underscored by gentle graphite spiciness. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with supple tannins, bright acidity, and a vivid core of dark berry fruit, blueberry skin, and a hint of red currant. The finish is clean, moderately long, and nicely balanced, making it flexible at the table — enjoyable now, and with enough structure to evolve further over the next 3–5 years.