Domaine PHILIPPE ALLIET Chinon Blanc 2023

Wine Region:Loire Valley - France

Grape:100% Chenin Blanc

Tasting Notes:

The Loire’s 2023 vintage was warmer than average but saved by timely rains, yielding whites with ripe fruit and lively acidity. While Domaine Philippe Alliet is best known for its Cabernet Franc-based Chinon Rouge, the estate also produces a rare Chinon Blanc from old-vine Chenin Blanc (likely sourced from a small parcel within their vineyards).

A vibrant mix of ripe orchard fruit (yellow apple, quince), citrus zest (lemon, grapefruit), and floral honeyed notes, with a touch of wet stone minerality. Hints of white peach and chamomile may emerge with aeration.

About the winery:

The winery began as a family affair when Claude and Philippe Alliet took over from Philippe's father in 1983. Today, the tradition continues with Pierre Alliet, who works alongside his father, Philippe, and grandfather, Claude. The family has consistently focused on enhancing the quality of their vineyards and wines, passing down their extensive knowledge and expertise through the generations.

Vineyard and Terroir The Domaine spans 19 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. The soils in Chinon are diverse, featuring alluvial terraces of gravel and sand along the Vienne River, limestone and yellow tuffeau soils on the hills, and flinty clays and sand on the plateau. This complex terroir contributes to the distinctive character of their wines.

Viticulture and Winemaking Practices Domaine Philippe Alliet emphasizes sustainable and environmentally friendly viticulture practices. The family meticulously manages their vineyards to maintain low yields, resulting in concentrated flavors. They use only indigenous yeasts and de-stem all grapes to reduce vegetal characteristics.

During winemaking, the grapes undergo a long maceration process with gentle punch-downs to extract flavors and tannins slowly. The wines are aged in a combination of barrels and tanks for up to 18 months, with new oak usage kept to a minimum (down from 100% new 225L barrels to 20% new 500L barrels). This approach ensures the wines are approachable when young yet have great aging potential. The ancient cellars, carved into the tuffeau hillsides, provide a naturally temperature-controlled environment ideal for aging the wines.