AOP Chinon in a nutshell
Chinon is a 2300-hectare appellation that produces mainly red wines (90%, made mostly from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, only in blends) and a few noteworthy white wines made from Chenin.
The AOC Chinon produces wines that are sometimes very different; this heterogeneity is notably due to the three types of soil present in the appellation: the alluvial terraces on the left banks of the Loire (gravel and sand), the limestone hillsides and buttes (chalk and tufa), and finally the hilltops (flinty clay and sand). The great wines of Chinon evolve remarkably over time; don't hesitate to cellar the best Chinon vintages for more than 10 years to watch the aromas of undergrowth, dead leaves, moss and mushrooms develop. These wines will astonish you with a pan-fried porcini mushroom in autumn.
Find great organic Chinon wines thanks to Château de Coulaine, Domaine de la Noblaie and domaine Grosbois.
The Chinon PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) is a prestigious wine appellation located in the Loire Valley region of France. It covers the commune of Chinon and several neighboring communes, all located in the Indre-et-Loire department. Chinon is particularly renowned for its red wines, mainly made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety.
The Cabernet Franc grape, which makes up at least 90% of the blend, gives Chinon wines their distinctive character. It contributes aromas of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, as well as floral and sometimes spicy notes. Chinon red wines are appreciated for their elegance, well-balanced tannic structure and ability to age gracefully.
Chinon benefits from a diverse terroir, with soils composed of tuffeau, clay and sand, which contribute to the complexity of the wines. The tuffeau, a limestone rock, offers a distinctive minerality to the wines, while the clay soils add richness and depth.
Chinon's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Loire, creating a microclimate favorable to optimal grape ripening. Warm summers and mild winters favor a long growing season, allowing grapes to reach full ripeness while retaining a refreshing acidity.
The winemakers at Chinon have a long tradition of winegrowing.
Chinon winemakers adopt viticultural practices that respect the environment and local tradition. Hand-picking is commonplace, and vinification is often traditional, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks or oak foudres.
Chinon wines are versatile and can be enjoyed young to appreciate their vibrant fruitiness, but they also have the ability to age beautifully in the cellar, gaining complexity and elegance over the years.
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An organic Chinon from Château de Coulaine on fruit and purity. Here, Jean has crafted a wine with length and finesse, highlighting fruit and terroir. The wine reveals blackberry notes with a licorice finish. This Château de Coulaine is a great success!
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025: 90/100
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Le temps des cerises du domaine de la Noblaie is a superb, fruity organic Chinon. This cuvée is characterized by soft tannins and intense red fruit notes. Le Temps des Cerises is an ideal entry-level wine at Domaine de la Noblaie.
Bettane et Dessauve 2019: 15/20
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From vines 20 to 40 years old, Domaine Fabrice Gasnier's Les Graves comes from south-facing vines. This organic Chinon is greedy, fruity and beautifully mature. Enjoy it over 5 years.
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025: 89/100
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Extra Ball is a natural wine from the Grosbois estate, full of fruit. This natural organic wine develops on notes of red fruit, blackcurrant. On the palate, this wine is very round, not very tannic and super lovable with a low alcohol percentage.
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La Cuisine de ma mère du domaine Grosbois is a Chinon, made from young vines planted on a gravel terroir. After destemming and maceration for two weeks, the wine is aged for 8 months in vats. This organic Chinon is well-balanced, with lovely intense fruit and a tangy finish; all resting on fine tannins.
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Sinople du Château de Coulaine is a superb Loire white. Its nose is expressive with notes of white and exotic fruits. The finish is balanced, greedy and slightly chalky. A fine white wine for gastronomy.
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025: 89/100
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Les Chiens Chiens du domaine de la Noblaie is a greedy, solar Chinon that develops on notes of red fruits and spices. Beautiful roundness and lovely structure.
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Les Picasses 2020 is a superb Chinon produced by the Château de Coulaine. This very fine organic wine is ready to drink . It develops on fruity notes, a beautiful explosiveness and lots of freshness .
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2023 : 92/100
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Le Clos de Turpenay 2022 is a very great Chinon produced by the Château de Coulaine. This organic wine has superb structure, cut to last the years. This deep, powerful Chinon develops on notes of black fruit, tapenade and spices. Very good length.
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2024 : 92/100
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The Clos de la Cure du Château de Coulaine is a great white Chinon. Aged in terracotta jars, this Chenin has a soft texture and develops yellow fruit aromas.
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A magnificent Chinon for laying down, thisCuvée Pierre de Tuf from Domaine de la Noblaie is intense, structured and beautifully complex.
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La Diablesse is the most virile and animal of all the Château de Coulaine cuvées. A few years in the cellar will do him a world of good!
Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025 : 93/100
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La Part des Anges du domaine de la Noblaie is a gourmet white Chinon. Aged in casks, this organic wine reveals woody, exotic fruit and citrus notes. Superb length.
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