Château Coudray-Montpensier Chinon 2024

Cabernet Franc can be a bit of a split personality. In the Loire it sometimes goes lean and leafy, while in hotter parts of the world it lurches into weighed-down jamminess. Chinon, at its best, finds the middle ground, and this is a fine example. Blackcurrant and plum fruit come through clearly, backed by a touch of spice, smooth tannins and a fresh lift of acidity. There's a little oak for polish, but the fruit stays firmly at the centre. The result is a Loire Cabernet Franc that feels generous without losing its bite.

Roast chicken, pork from the grill or herby veg all make sense here - the wine has the freshness to keep pace.

Château Coudray-Montpensier is one of those proper medieval Loire châteaux of the type you see in the magazine travel sections. Apparently, Joan of Arc once stayed here during the Hundred Years' War. The vineyards have been here for centuries as well. In 2005, Dr Christian Feray of Château Moncontour in Vouvray took the reins, initiating significant restorations to both the château and its vineyards, since when the wines have built themselves a pretty solid reputation. With the terroir a mix of clay, limestone, and sandy soils, ideal for Cabernet Franc, their beautifully expressed Chinon reds capture the real essence of the region.