THE JEFFERSON & DISCOVER CLUBS - June 2021
One of the many beauties of great wine is its ability to transport you to another place. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to explore the Loire Valley in France and found myself in the historic city of Chinon. While driving the stone-paved downtown castle district, I stumbled upon the tasting room of a familiar producer, Charles Joquet. I have always carried Joquet’s Chinon ever since reading Kermit Lynch’s (the first truly quality-focused wine importer) book, “Adventures on the Wine Road.” However, until that point, I had only tasted Joquet’s most introductory wines. So, I stopped in and bought a few bottles to enjoy that evening.
This month, we hope Charles Joquet’s Varennes du Grand Clos and Clos de la Plante Martin will transport our Jefferson and Discover club members to the ancient city of Chinon.
THE JEFFERSON CLUB
Charles Joquet
Chinon ‘Varennes du Grand Clos’
2016
Wine Maker: Kevin Fontaine
Region: Sazilly, Chinon, Loire, FRA
Grape Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Viticulture: Organic, single vineyard (considered premier cru quality)
50-60 yr-old vines; siliceous chalk & clay
Method: 5 day cold soak, 3-4 week high temperature fermentation
aged in French oak futs for 15-16 months
Serving Suggestions: serve at 64-68F in Bordeaux glass
Age: decant or hold 2023-2033
Nose: fragrant rose petals and violets, red currant
Palate: bright and elegant with red cherry and clove
Finish: refined tannin structure with elegant length
THE DISCOVER CLUB
Charles Joquet
Touraine Blanc ’Clos de la Plante Martin’
2018
Wine Maker: Kevin Fontaine
Region: Chinon, Loire, FRA
Grape Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Viticulture: Organic; limestone & clay soils near the Vienne River, picked in passes
Method: slow, gentle press; 225 L barrels (1/3 new)
Serving Suggestions: let the wine breathe either in a decanter or the bottle, serve at 45-48F in Burgundy glasses
Age: drink 2021-2033
Nose: lemon curd, quince, matchstick
Palate: crunchy and vibrant acidity with great limestone minerality
Finish: bright citrus with a whiff of smoke
About Charles Joquet
Charles Joquet left a successful sculpting career to explore the precious vineyard sites his family worked for generations. Until this point, the grapes from these excellent vines were sold off to negociants who would blend them into large, clunky Chinon AOC wines. Charles understood the pedigree of his vines and did the unthinkable in Chinon: he vinified single-plot bottlings. Each vineyard plot is treated separately to capture its unique identity. Today, Charles has retired and turned over operations to Kevin Fontaine who follows Charles’ footsteps closely.