2021 Domaine Grosbois Extra Balle Chinon

Region: Chinon < Loire Valley < France

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: certified organic farming with some biodynamic practices, sandy, clay/limestone and gravel soils, fermented and aged in concrete, unfiltered and only 29 mg/L of SO2; 11.9% ABV

Winemaker: Nicolas Grosbois

The Grosbois estate has been in the family since 1820 and primarily produces grains, but there is a small amount still planted to vines. Nicolas Grobois, current winemaker, left to travel and work vintages in New Zealand, Australia, Chile and even the United States before returning to the estate in 2005. The vines are scattered around the large property in order to take advantage of the best soil and the plot he selected for this blend is just 2 hectares in size.

Nicolas makes a bunch of classic Chinon wines, but this is his fun glou glou bottling.  'Extra Balle' is the term for the short maceration, new vintage juice used to freshen up/lighten up the other cuvees.   Here, he bottles the extra balle juice straight up to make a light, almost translucent, chillable red.  It is unmistakably Cab Franc, with those trademark spice/herbal notes, but here the tart red fruit - cranberry, raspberry -- shines brightest.   Super fun holiday sipper for day to night enjoyment.