The Domaine Dozon Chinon Rose’ 2014 is 100% Cabernet Franc sourced from a sustainably farmed vineyard on the hillside above the Vienne River in the Chinon AOC of the Loire Valley in France. Cabernet Franc is one of the grapes approved for Bordeaux Red blends. But, in the Chinon AOC, Cabernet Franc is not only the main Red grape used it’s the only Red grape (well actually a Chinon AOC wine can have up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, if needed). Chinon has produced wine since Roman times and the castle in town was the where the English king, Richard the Lionheart, lived and died (Chinon had better wine than England?). Domaine Dozon had been in the same family for 5 generations and in 2013, a new owner, Eric Santier took charge. The alcohol content is 12.5%.
The color is a pale amber pink. The nose is unique, yes, it is crisp and light and dominated by Red berries, in this case cherries, but here there is also peppermint and exotic spices. The Domaine Dozon Rose’ is dry and balanced. It starts with smooth cherry and raspberry, with a little lemon and a faint herbal note and finishes with a sour cherry and tart cranberry. There is solid acidity which gives this Rose’ impressive length, the flavors just keep on going.
As I write this, it is 10 degrees outside, it is a cold winters night, but a wonderful Rose’ is like the first seeing the first robin of spring, better times and warm weather are on the way. Cab Franc wines from Chinon are remarkable and Chinon Rose’ is not an experience that can be duplicated with any other growing area. The Domaine Dozon Chinon Rose’ is a delicious, well made, interesting wine and it is much too good to wait for warm weather to enjoy.
