Olga Raffault : Les Picasses 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chinon "Les Picasses" 2020 from Olga Raffault

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a deep ruby hue with garnet highlights, reflecting fine concentration while retaining a certain elegance.

Nose
The nose reveals an aromatic complexity characteristic of Cabernet Franc from limestone soils. Notes of tangy red fruits—especially cherry and raspberry—intertwine with herbaceous nuances of pencil lead and fresh-cut grass. Hints of white pepper, sun-dried tomato, and a distinctive chalky minerality also emerge.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is relatively supple, followed by a silky mid-palate with pleasing substance. The tannic structure is present and well-defined, with firm yet polished tannins. Bright acidity shapes the whole and brings remarkable balance. The finish lingers with persistence, revealing a hallmark chalky minerality.

Food and wine pairings
This wine pairs perfectly with braised red meats, hearty meat stews, and lamb-based dishes. It also goes beautifully with herb-driven fare such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, as well as aged goat cheeses and hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
It is recommended to serve the Chinon "Les Picasses" 2020 between 14 and 16°C. Decanting for 30 minutes to an hour will allow the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity and help the tannins integrate.

Other characteristics
This vintage shows a particularly harmonious balance between concentration and freshness, making it more approachable in its youth than wines from this cuvée traditionally are, while still retaining significant aging potential.

An emblematic Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

The estate
Domaine Olga Raffault is a historic and essential name. Located in the Véron, this family estate has carried on a unique know-how for four generations. It is now run by Sylvie Raffault and her husband Eric de la Vigerie. The vineyard is certified organic.

The vineyard
The "Les Picasses" cuvée comes from a parcel on the northern slopes of the Vienne, within the Chinon appellation. With a full southern exposure, the vines benefit from clay-limestone soils over tuffeau. This soil gives the wine its structure and minerality. The vines, more than 50 years old, are harvested by hand.

The vintage
The year 2020 in the Loire was marked by a mild winter and a hot, dry summer. These conditions led to an early harvest. Despite the heat, cool nights helped preserve bright acidity, offering a perfect balance between fruit ripeness and freshness.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes are destemmed and ferment as whole berries with indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts around a month. Aging continues for at least two years in oak and chestnut foudres, followed by bottle aging. This traditional method helps refine the tannins while respecting the fruit.

Grape variety
Cabernet Franc (100%).