Founded in 2010 by passionate Loire winemaker François-Xavier Barc, Complices de Loire was born from a collaborative spirit—the word complices literally translating to "accomplices". After honing his craft managing top estates in Chinon and Saint-Émilion, Barc teamed up with local vine-growers and his close friend Gérald Vallée of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil to create a modern micro-négociant model rooted in deep trust. Rather than buying bulk wine, he works hand-in-hand with grower-partners across premier Loire appellations, meticulously farming specific plot selections that capture pure, terroir-driven fruit. The "La Petite Timonerie" cuvée comes from 45-year-old Cabernet Franc vines rooted in the warm, alluvial sandy gravels of Beaumont-en-Véron and Panzoult. Vinified naturally in stainless steel to showcase vibrant fruit rather than heavy oak, it delivers an effortlessly charming, fresh-driven Chinon that beautifully highlights the "accomplice" synergy between master winemaker and dedicated grape growers.
This impressive red is a brilliant example of 100% Cabernet Franc from modern Chinon, capturing everything that makes the variety so enticing in this region. Enticing aromas of ripe red cherry, crushed black raspberry, spring violets, and a subtle savory herbal complexity immediately draw you in. The palate is effortlessly smooth, boasting supple, fine-grained tannins, vibrant red fruit focus, and a touch of stony earth on the back end. Utterly charming and remarkably drinkable, it is a bottle that shows off the true, elegant soul of French red wine.
750ml
