Couly-Dutheil, La Coulée Automnale Chinon 2012, Loire, France

Tasting Note: A classic Chinon with lovely aromatics, limestone and a gentle tannin structure.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of red plum, pencil shavings, dried violet petal, forest floor and black tea with hints of young cedar.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied cabernet franc has a somewhat-chalky midpalate with medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported my medium acidity and slightly-grippy, medium tannin.

The wine is balanced with enjoyable morning-forest-floor notes.

Bottle Note: Harvested on the gravel terroir of Chinon, and made from fully ripe 100% cabernet franc grape. It was vinified to bring out its masses of soft, plummy fruits, making it an elegant match for lamb, braised guineafowl and served lightly chilled for summer picnics.