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.


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