Chateau Coudray-Montpensier
2024
Chinon, Château Coudray-Montpensier
View details →£14.25
The SommPills Cellar
Chateau Coudray-Montpensier
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Chateau Coudray-Montpensier
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Château Coudray-Montpensier in Chinon is a producer of pure, unoaked Cabernet Franc that lets terroir speak without oak interference. The estate owns 34 hectares of vines on the left bank of the Vienne River, planted on varied clay, limestone and sandy soils that give the wines their characteristic brightness. Unlike many Loire producers, Château Coudray-Montpensier commits to hand-harvesting and a cold maceration technique that draws out vibrant red-fruit character while preserving the acidity that defines Chinon at its best. If you want Loire Cabernet Franc that tastes of place rather than cellar technique, this is it.
About Château Coudray-Montpensier
The castle itself dates to 1090 AD, with the main structure built in the 14th century—a piece of French history. In 1429, Joan of Arc stayed in the castle's tower while waiting to meet King Charles VII to plan the relief of Orléans during the Hundred Years' War. The vineyard has operated for centuries, but the modern estate took shape when Dr Christian Feray, owner of Château Moncontour, purchased Château Coudray-Montpensier in 2005 and undertook significant restorations.
Winemaking here is deliberately restrained. The winemaking philosophy prioritises the fruit and terroir over manipulation. After picking, grapes undergo 10 days of cold maceration—a technique that extracts colour and aromatic compounds without the harsh tannins that come from hot fermentation. Fermentation happens in stainless steel, and the wine is never oaked. This approach is deliberate: oak would mask the blackcurrant and redcurrant aromas that the vineyard and cold maceration naturally develop. What emerges is a wine brimming with vibrant fruit carried by bright acidity—the signature of quality Chinon.
The vineyard's position on the left bank of the Vienne River, combined with soils that mix clay, limestone and sand, gives the wines their mineral edge and food-friendly structure. These are not heavy wines; they are transparent expressions of the vintage and the land.
Château Coudray-Montpensier Wines in Our Collection
The result is a wine with the brightness and purity the vintage allowed. Drink this wine young, between 12 and 16 degrees, to enjoy the crisp red-fruit character and the acidity that will carry it through meals. It's a versatile bottle: ready to open now, but structured enough to age gently for 3–5 years if cellared cool.
Food Pairing
Château Coudray-Montpensier's unoaked Cabernet Franc is built for the table. Serve it with roasted chicken, pork chops, or charcuterie boards where the acidity cuts through fat and salt. The wine's bright fruit complements tomato-based dishes, grilled vegetables, and soft cheeses like goat's cheese or Brie. It's equally at home with simple bistro fare—a terrines, pâtés, or herb-crusted lamb—where its mineral backbone and red-fruit lift enhance rather than overpower.
Why is this Cabernet Franc unoaked?
Oak would mask the blackcurrant and redcurrant aromas that cold maceration and the vineyard naturally develop. Unoaked style preserves the bright fruit and acidity that define Chinon.
What makes the 2024 vintage special?
One of the earliest starts on record. Mild spring avoided frost damage; June–July rainfall was spread evenly, allowing steady ripening without stress. Bright, pure wine resulted.
What soils does the vineyard sit on?
34 hectares on the left bank of the Vienne River with pockets of clay, limestone and sand. This varied terroir gives the wines mineral edge and food-friendly structure.
Who makes Château Coudray-Montpensier wines?
Dr Christian Feray, owner of Château Moncontour, purchased and restored Château Coudray-Montpensier in 2005. The estate is located in Chinon on the left bank of the Vienne River, with 34 hectares of vines.
What style of wine does Château Coudray-Montpensier make?
Pure, unoaked Cabernet Franc using cold maceration to preserve vibrant red-fruit character and acidity. The 2024 Chinon scored 86 and offers savory, classic Cabernet Franc that expresses terroir without oak interference.
How much does Château Coudray-Montpensier wine cost?
The 2024 Chinon is priced at £14.25 per bottle—excellent value for unoaked Loire Cabernet Franc of this quality.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.