# Domaine de Doulaye Vielles Vignes (2020)

- **Producer:** Earl Demois
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Loire Valley, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, red cherry, black cherry, vanilla, cloves, leather, spice, earth

## About this wine

Domaine de Doulaye Vielles Vignes is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the Chinon AOC in the Loire Valley, produced by Earl Demois. The wine is made from old vines, aged between 45-50 years, contributing to its character. Fabien Demois, the fifth generation of his family to make wine, manages the estate, which is DEMETER certified. The vineyard is situated in Cravant-Les-Côteaux, known for its calcareous soils, which are conducive to growing Cabernet Franc. The 2020 vintage is characterized by its fruit expression and structure.

## Interesting facts

- Vine age: 45-50 years old
- Fifth-generation winemaking family
- DEMETER certified biodynamic
- 1-star rating in Guide Hachette des Vins 2023

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ tannins and body complement the richness of red meats and game, while its inherent freshness cuts through fattiness. Herbal notes in the wine can echo herbs used in cooking, and its fruit profile harmonizes with fruit-based sauces.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Domaine de Doulaye Vielles Vignes involves hand-harvesting ripe grapes to achieve a fruit-forward profile. Fermentation occurs in concrete tanks, preserving the varietal character. Aging is a blend of concrete tanks and French oak barrels, with 20% of the wine spending 12 months in oak. This approach aims to balance fruit purity with subtle structural complexity.