Chinon Clos de La Dioterie Charles Joguet 1996 (Red)

Since its founding by Charles Joguet in 1957, the estate has sought to provide an exquisite showcase for the terroirs of Chinon, based on a simple idea: wine as an expression of its region. Alongside his mother, the Widow Joguet-Malécault (whose initials feature on the foil cover), Charles Joguet produced his first cuvées. Between 1962 and 1976, the vineyard was extended through several different plantations: Les Varennes du Grand Clos, the Clos de la Cure, and the Clos du Chêne Vert. Today, it covers more than 30 hectares (mostly planted with Cabernet Franc) spread across more than 25km, with a wide variety of terroirs (alluvial soil, gravel, clay, limestone, etc.). The soil is tilled or seeded with grass, yields are restricted and harvesting performed by hand, using small crates to avoid crushing the grapes. In the cellar, élevage lasts for a long time and sometimes takes place in bigger barrels so as to not overpower the wines with oak. Producing Cabernet Franc only, today the estate is run by Jacques Genet (the estate's owner and partner of Charles Joguet in 1985) and his daughter Anne-Charlotte. The Clos de la Dioterie, famous for its soil and the age of its vinestocks (80 years), is the domain's flagship, yet all its wines are of a high quality and rank among Chinon's finest.

Located close to Tours between the Loire and Vienne rivers, the appellation of Chinon, an AOC since 1937, covers some 1,900 hectares spread over nineteen communes. The wine made here is mostly red, using Cabernet Franc, but a small amount of white wine is also produced (less than 1% of total production), from the Chenin grape variety (also known as Pineau de la Loire). Located right next to the wine cellar, Clos de la Dioterie overlooks the Varennes of the Grand Clos. These two hectares of old vines (70 to 80 years) are planted on clay soil with a high limestone content and a north-easterly exposure, which is ideal for obtaining perfect maturity. These very old vines have a low yield (30 hl/ha) and are worked with meticulous care. The Clos de la Dioterie is the last plot to be harvested, with grapes carefully sorted on the vine, and similar care taken during the vinification process. The overall effect is one of subtle but considerable complexity, reaching full expression after many long years spent in the cellar, along with concentration and power.

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