Chinon comes from vineyards located around a town of the same name that are planted on the banks of the Vienne River, a tributary of the Loire. Unusually for the Loire Valley, Chinon almost entirely produces red wine. The red wines are made from Cabernet Franc and can include as much as 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. The white wines are made from chenin blanc, which is planted to less than 2% of the acreage in the Chinon appellation; white Chinon wine, or Chinon Blanc, is only produced by a few estates.

Grown on the stony terraces of the region, Cabernet Franc has just enough ability to ripen in most years, and when it does shows intense varietal character, not unlike Syrah stretched to its limits in the Northern Rhone.

The wines have moderate alcohol levels and are medium-bodied, with the leafy, minerally, tobacco-scented quality that is typical of the grape. Chinon, in good years, is one of the purest expressions of Cabernet Franc in the world, and it also provides exceptional value. (Wine/Appellations)