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Pierre Sourdais worked on the family farm in the Chinon appellation of the Loire from 1972 until his father, Marcel, passed away in 1981. He sold his interest in the farm to his brother, Jean, and purchased the property next door to build a winery and vineyard. He also began digging a cellar which would take 30 years to complete. That kind of dedication shows in the wine he produces.
He succeeded in building everything he wanted and began making some of the most revered wines in Chinon. The winery was certified organic and biodynamic since 2012. Chinon is one of the few red wine appellations in the Loire Valley and the grape is the iconic Cabernet Franc, a staple in Bordeaux.
Cabernet Franc actually pre-dates its distant cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon, having first been written about over 1000 years ago. Then it was called "carbonet," a reference to its black skin which resembled carbon.
On the Right Bank of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is the principle grape in many of the most sought-after wines on the planet. They are larger than most and age remarkably well. But, in Chinon, it accounts for a lighter, gentler wine to be consumed in its first few years.
Sourdais makes one of the larger styles, though still approachable when young and worthy of some aging. In France, it is enjoyed with all manner of dishes as it can work with hearty fish dishes like bouillabaisse or meat and game dishes like cassoulet or garlic-scented roast chicken.
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