Domaine Olga Raffault
Loire - France
Philosophy
Located between the Loire and the Vienne, the vineyards of Olga Raffault are situated. Olga was running the family domain together with her husband when her husband died suddenly in the fantastic 1947 vintage. With the help of Ernest Zeinninger, a German soldier who was taken prisoner of war at the end of the war but who was released under the protection of the Raffault family, a top wine was finally realized that year. Having never understood the war, he later bonded with the domain and the Raffault family, resulting in a close friendship that would last. Later her son took over the domain and today it is granddaughter Sylvie Raffault who, with her husband and son, honors the legacy of Olga. The necessary modernizations and new techniques were implemented, but the style and character that Olga had in mind were retained. The wine and vineyards are fully organically labeled and are made and maintained with the greatest care and respect for the environment and climate.
Terroir
Sandy grounds with pebbles, lime and clay near the river "the Vienne".
Wines
The love for wine and the know-how of making Chinon wines has been passed on for five generations and you can taste that:
- Domaine Olga Raffault Champ Chenin - Chinon Blanc Chenin Blanc - Conversation Biologique: Shiny, light yellow color. Aromas of citrus, yellow apple and gooseberry. After some rolling (and aging), more deeper notes of flowers, honey and fresh meadow mushrooms also emerge. Lively and mineral character. Nice long final that continues to pleasantly touch the pallet.
- Domaine Olga Raffault Les Barnabés - Chinon Cabernet Franc - Agriculture Biologique: Beautiful, bright, ruby red color. Typical nose of Cabernet Franc with notes of blueberries, raspberries, violet and a fine earthy and slightly spicy undertone. Nice balance between fruit and more complex notes. Full round taste with a fine drying bitter at the end. Long pure final.
- Domaine Olga Raffault Les Picasses - Chinon Cabernet Franc - Agriculture Biologique: Bright ruby red color with brownish red reflections. Lots of black fruit, cocoa, licorice, thyme and a typical earthy spiciness. In the mouth, it is a perfect balance between a frivolous fruity style and the often slightly too rough but more complex wood-aged styles. A 'feminine' style and a lovely glass of wine that has a lot to offer. Also in the final, the balance between fresh, elegant tones and deeper, complex tones is preserved.
