Olga Raffault Chinon Rose, Loire, France

The 2021 Olga Raffault Chinon Rosé is a vibrant and aromatic expression of Cabernet Franc from one of Chinon’s most respected estates. Crafted from a combination of estate and neighboring organically farmed fruit, this rosé captures the sunny brightness of the vintage while preserving freshness and minerality. Elegant yet lively, it is a Loire rosé that reflects both tradition and precision.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Vineyard Sources: 50% certified-organic estate fruit; 50% neighboring grower in conversion to organics
• Soils: Sandy and gravelly parcels along the Vienne River
• Harvest: Hand-harvested fruit
• Vinification: 50% whole-cluster direct press; 50% saignée; spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel
• Aging: Stainless steel tanks; no malolactic fermentation
• Filtration: Light, non-sterile; bottled in spring after vintage
• ABV: 12.5%
• Closure: Cork
• Winemaker: Sylvie Raffault & Eric de la Vigerie

Sensory Description:

Pale pink with a luminous hue, the 2021 Chinon Rosé reveals a nose of fresh red berries, cassis, violet, and subtle herbal tones of tobacco and pepper. On the palate, it is dense yet refined, offering flavors of raspberry, wild strawberry, and savory green bean, all lifted by fine acidity and a delicate hint of pétillance preserved from fermentation. The finish is crisp, mineral-driven, and mouthwatering, showcasing both fruit purity and Loire terroir.

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine Olga Raffault, long considered one of Chinon’s benchmarks, has been family-run for generations. Today, Olga’s granddaughter Sylvie and her husband Eric de la Vigerie oversee the estate, maintaining a commitment to traditional, terroir-expressive winemaking. Based in Savigny-en-Véron by the Vienne riverbanks, the domaine farms prized plots, including the renowned “Les Picasses” vineyard, known for its old vines and mineral-laden soils. With a reputation for authenticity and purity, the estate’s wines, red, white, and rosé, are celebrated for their elegance, rustic charm, and faithful reflection of Chinon’s terroir.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well-chilled at 46–50 °F in a tulip-shaped white wine glass. This rosé pairs beautifully with fresh salads, grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheese, and charcuterie. Its crisp acidity and subtle herbal edge also make it a versatile match for Mediterranean cuisine and light vegetarian dishes.

The 2021 Olga Raffault Chinon Rosé is a refreshing yet complex Loire rosé, balancing fruit, florality, and minerality in a way that speaks directly of Chinon’s unique terroir.