Region: Loire Valley, France (Chinon AOC)
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Body: Medium
Notes: Wild raspberries, dark cherries, pencil shavings, damp earth, white pepper, and tobacco leaf, with a structural, chalky limestone mineral core and a persistent finish
Pairing: Garlic and herb-rubbed lamb chops, roasted pork belly with mushroom sauce, duck confit, aged goat cheeses (like Crottin de Chavignol), or hearty lentil stews
The Producer
Domaine Olga Raffault is an authoritative, universally revered benchmark estate nestled in the Véron district of the Chinon appellation, resting right between the Loire and Vienne rivers. The estate reached legendary cult status under its namesake, Olga Raffault, who courageously ran the property through the mid-20th century following the sudden passing of her husband. Today, the legacy is carried forward with equal devotion by her granddaughter Sylvie Raffault and her husband Eric de la Vigerie. Long considered a masterclass in regional typicity and traditional architecture, the estate transitioned to fully certified organic viticulture to preserve the deep vitality of their soils. In the cellar, they completely avoid industrial interference, utilizing spontaneous native yeast fermentations and old neutral wood vessels to capture the incredibly pure, soul-stirring depth of classic Loire Valley Cabernet Franc.
The Wine
The 2020 "Les Picasses" is the estate's crown jewel, sourced from their most famous, south-facing hilltop lieu-dit along the northern slopes of the Vienne River. The prized vineyard features old vines—averaging over 50 years of age—deeply rooted in fossil-rich clay and chalky tuffeau limestone. The hand-harvested fruit is destemmed but left as mostly whole berries, undergoing a long, patient 25 to 30-day spontaneous native fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks to maximize extraction without rushing the process. The wine is then tucked away to mature for up to two years in large, historic 30-hectoliter oak and chestnut foudres, followed by extensive resting in the bottle prior to release. Due to a warm, early 2020 growing season tempered by cool evening breezes, this highly scannable vintage delivers an exceptional balance of ripe red orchard berries and concentrated structure; it masterfully pairs deep, earthy tobacco and wild herb perfumes with a racy alpine acidity and a firm, dusty, mineral-driven tannic spine built to cellar for decades.
Region: Loire Valley, France (Chinon AOC)
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Body: Medium
Notes: Wild raspberries, dark cherries, pencil shavings, damp earth, white pepper, and tobacco leaf, with a structural, chalky limestone mineral core and a persistent finish
Pairing: Garlic and herb-rubbed lamb chops, roasted pork belly with mushroom sauce, duck confit, aged goat cheeses (like Crottin de Chavignol), or hearty lentil stews
The Producer
Domaine Olga Raffault is an authoritative, universally revered benchmark estate nestled in the Véron district of the Chinon appellation, resting right between the Loire and Vienne rivers. The estate reached legendary cult status under its namesake, Olga Raffault, who courageously ran the property through the mid-20th century following the sudden passing of her husband. Today, the legacy is carried forward with equal devotion by her granddaughter Sylvie Raffault and her husband Eric de la Vigerie. Long considered a masterclass in regional typicity and traditional architecture, the estate transitioned to fully certified organic viticulture to preserve the deep vitality of their soils. In the cellar, they completely avoid industrial interference, utilizing spontaneous native yeast fermentations and old neutral wood vessels to capture the incredibly pure, soul-stirring depth of classic Loire Valley Cabernet Franc.
The Wine
The 2020 "Les Picasses" is the estate's crown jewel, sourced from their most famous, south-facing hilltop lieu-dit along the northern slopes of the Vienne River. The prized vineyard features old vines—averaging over 50 years of age—deeply rooted in fossil-rich clay and chalky tuffeau limestone. The hand-harvested fruit is destemmed but left as mostly whole berries, undergoing a long, patient 25 to 30-day spontaneous native fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks to maximize extraction without rushing the process. The wine is then tucked away to mature for up to two years in large, historic 30-hectoliter oak and chestnut foudres, followed by extensive resting in the bottle prior to release. Due to a warm, early 2020 growing season tempered by cool evening breezes, this highly scannable vintage delivers an exceptional balance of ripe red orchard berries and concentrated structure; it masterfully pairs deep, earthy tobacco and wild herb perfumes with a racy alpine acidity and a firm, dusty, mineral-driven tannic spine built to cellar for decades.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.