DOMAINE COULY-DUTHEIL
LOIRE / CHINON
There are few names more respected in the Loire than that of Couly-Dutheil, known for the quality of its wines served at the most prestigious tables in France for almost 100 years.
Of the 2000 hectares of the Chinon vineyard, Couly-Dutheil vinifies some 130 hectares of which 90 are their own property located over the three production areas of the appellation. If the quality of the soils, amongst the best in Chinon, contributes to the renown of Couly-Dutheil, their quest for quality in the selection of vintages and love for perfection in maturing adds to their prestige.
Although roughly 85 out of every 100 bottles Couly-Dutheil produces is reserved for the best restaurants and retailers of France, the allure for this renowned estate is not confined to their home country. The 15% that does trickle outside of the nation has found an increasingly fanatical fanbase the world over because each bottle is a paragon of Chinon’s storied terroir and a master class on classic Cabernet Franc. However, it’s the shocking age-worthiness of their top-tier reds (Clos de l’Olive and Clos de l’Echo) that really set them apart. As far as cellar appeal goes, these bottlings compete with the finest Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhône.
Under the management of Arnaud Couly since 2005, the winery has implemented changes to its production process in order to create fruitier wines using riper grapes and a greater emphasis on freshness. Techniques employed include low extractions, minimal wood aging, and light filtration.
Owner
Region
Appellations
Farming
Harvest
Size
Grapes Grown
Website
Vineland Rep.
Arnaud Couly-Dutheil
Loire
Chinon, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny
Sustainable, Organic conversion
Manual
90 hectares
Chenin Blanc, Cabernet-Franc
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COULY-DUTHEIL "BLANC DE FRANC"
Are we crazy? You may think we are! We wouldn’t say so. Sometimes, it is worth it to give free rein to one’s imagination! That’s what I did. I decided to play with the Cabernet Franc and turn it to a white wine. A unique piece of art. - Arnaud Couly-Dutheil.
Wine Characteristics: Fruity, unusual (white from Cabernet Franc), crispy
Appellation: Vin de France
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Clay and limestone
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Very gentle extraction through pneumatic pressing / Settling of the juice / Fermentation in stainless steel vats at low temperature / The wines matures on its lees for at least 3 to 4 months / Bottling from April to May
Tasting notes: White wine with a pale yellow color and a slight hint of pink. Floral and fruity nose with rose aromas, blueberries and small red fruits notes. Dry wine with a rich structure, subtle tannins and a refreshing finale. A unique style!
90
2016
WA
90
2016
WE
COULY-DUTHEIL "LES CHANTEAUX"
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Grape Variety: 100 % Chenin Blanc
Wine Characteristics: Dry, fruity, elegant, clean
Terroir: The St Louans locality on the west side of Chinon appellation gather most of our white vines. It is located on plateaux and slopes in predominandly clay and limestone soils. This situation gets a nice exposure : North/East, South/West.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Sorting of the grapes / Gentle extraction through pneumatic pressing / Settling of the juice / Fermentation in stainless steel vats at low temperature / The wines matures on its lees for at least 3 months which gives more fruit and body to the wine / Bottling from April to May.
Tasting notes: Lovely pale and cristallin color. Our white Chinon has fabulous richness and depth in its citrus fruits, white flowers and almond like aromas. It shows the freshness and the purity of its soil, with integrated, yet juicy acidity. The palate is perfectly balanced and harmonious with a serious length.
91
2019
FALSTAFF
COULY-DUTHEIL "LES GRAVIERES"
We first released this cuvée in 1984 in order to offer our wine lovers a very soft and fruity red chinon wine. It is the true expression of our gravel and sandy soils. - Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Light and fruity
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc 100 %
Terroir: Gravel and sandy soils
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Harvesting at optimum maturity / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 10 to 15 days with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing in stainless steel tank until bottling in Spring.
Tasting notes: This wine shows a harmonious balance between the freshness brought by the river and the typical fruits of the Cabernet Franc : strawberries, raspberries, violette. On the palate, it is round, fruity and light. A very charming and easy drinking wine.
90
2019
WE
COULY-DUTHEIL "COULÉE AUTOMNALE"
After the Gravières, we decided to tame other harmonies, charm, wisdom and roundness. Our Autumn wine was born and wears the pretty name of Coulée Automnale! - Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Fruity and round
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Gravel and sandy soils
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Harvesting at optimum maturity / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 10 to 15 days with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing in stainless steel tank until bottling in Autumn.
Tasting notes: With a subtle concentration, this generous wine reveals a delicate structure. Its ruby and garnet color develops gentle aromas of red and black fruits with hints of spice. On the palate, its ampleness is suprising and the tannins are very soft.
COULY-DUTHEIL "LA DILIGENCE"
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Silky and harmonious
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Silica and limestone soils with a proportion of clay located nearby the Beaumont-en-Véron village.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual
leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Harvesting at optimum maturity / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 15 to 20 days with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing in stainless steel tank until bottling in September.
Tasting notes: Garnet red color with a fruity nose and delicate fragrances of lowers. Rich and round, it is a well-structured wine with blackberries flavors and smooth tannins.
COULY-DUTHEIL "DOMAINE RENÉ COULY"
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Rich & complex
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Clay and silica soil
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Harvesting at optimum maturity / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 2 to 3 weeks with indigenous yeasts maceration and fermentation temperatures under total control / Ageing in the stainless-steel tank until bottling in Summer.
Tasting notes: Beautiful intense red color. The nose is powerful with aromas of candied fruits. A full-bodied wine that offers a powerful and harmonious attack, noble tannins, and a long aftertaste with flavours reminiscent of the same candied fruits aromas.
90
2019
WE
91
2020
JS
COULY-DUTHEIL "BARONNIE MADELEINE"
Madeleine was our mother, our grandmother. This wine is on her honor, for being a great ambassador of Chinon wines. Only produced in the best vintages, it must be elegant, charming and delicate with a seductively silky palate. - Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Harmonious, elegant
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Grapes selection among the plateaux and slopes of the appellation.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 2 to 3 weeks with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing in stainless steel tank until bottling in summer.
Tasting notes: This wine is bright ruby in color. Beautiful fruits, both black and red berry. An elegant and unctuous wine possessing silky and soft tannins. Wonderfully textured and incredibly approachable.
92
2016
WE
COULY-DUTHEIL "LE CLOS DE L'OLIVE"
Surounded by walls and adjacent to a charming house in tuffeau, the Clos de l’Olive is the symbol of the elegancy and the prestige of the Loire region. We are proud to own the property since 1951. - Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Elegant, complex
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Clos de l’Olive is a 4 ha single plot, situated in the East part of Chinon. This parcel, located on a South facing slope, has an exceptional chalky soil with a large proportion of limestone, giving the wine its minerality. The vines are old (80 years) and have been taking good care of, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionally deep.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Gentle destemming / Maceration and vinification take 3 to 4 weeks with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing
in stainless steel tank until bottling in Autumn.
Tasting notes: Beautiful intense ruby colour. There are the expected candied fruits aromas, but there is also a perceptible fragrance of flowers and violets. The palate is elegant and delivers flavors of dark fruits, mineral and licorice. A perfect ripeness and bright acidity.
93
2019
WE
COULY-DUTHEIL "LE CLOS DE L'ECHO"
Clos de l’Echo is regarded as one of the greatest wines in Chinon. It is notorious for being a single and royal parcel facing the Fortress of Chinon. We are proud to own the entire Clos since 1952. - Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Full-bodied and firm
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Clos de l’Echo is 15 ha, with one single plot in the town center of Chinon, exposed South. Clos de l’Echo has an exceptional terroir located on a slope (highest point of the appellation) : clay and limestone. The vines are old (60-80 years) and have been taking good care of, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionnaly deep.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Gentle de-stemming / Maceration and vinification take 3 to 4 weeks with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / Ageing in stainless steel tank until bottling in Autumn.
Tasting notes: Deep black cherry colour and attractively bright. The nose is very delicate and powerful at the same time, with dark fruits : blackcurrants, licorice, plums and spices. A full-bodied wine that offers a fabulous mid-palate concentration, delicate tannins and a long finish.This is everything one could possibly hope for in a wine of this caliber and age. It’s singing right now, and will continue to do so over the next 5-10 years with ease.
93
2019
WE
94
2020
JS
COULY-DUTHEIL "CLOS DE L'ECHO CRESCENDO"
Clos de l’Echo is regarded as one of the greatest wines in Chinon. It is notorious for being a single and royal parcel facing the Fortress of Chinon. Today, it is also the only wine we age in oak barrels and produce in exceptional vintage.
- Arnaud & Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Appellation: Chinon AOP
Wine Characteristics: Unctuous, concentrated
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Clos de l’Echo is 15 ha, with one single plot in the town center of Chinon, exposed South. Clos de l’Echo has an exceptional terroir located on a slope (highest point of the appellation) : clay and limestone. The vines are old (60-80 years) and have been taking good care of, which has allowed the roots to grow exceptionnaly deep.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: Selection of the best grapes among the Clos de l’Echo / Handpicked at optimum maturity by trie / Gentle destemming / Maceration and vinification take 3 to 4 weeks with indigenous yeasts and temperatures under total control / 50% is aged in oak barrels for 12 months / Blended in stainless steel tank before being bottled
Tasting notes: Beautiful intense red colour, yet nearly black colour. A powerful nose with fruits, both black and red berry, spices, chocolate and musky aromas. A full-bodied wine possessing silky, sensual tannins. Dense and rich, yet with perfect ripeness. It will drink well in its youth, but should still be alive and wonderful after 1 or 2 decades as well.
92
2020
JS
93
2018
WE
COULY-DUTHEIL "BRUT DE FRANC"
« My father, René Couly, made a red and a rosé sparkling in the early 50’s. Respectful for tradition, my son decided to produce a delicate and elegant white sparkling in memory of his grandfather ». Jacques Couly-Dutheil
Wine Characteristics: Traditional Method, Brut dosage
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Terroir: Selection of the best grapes located on plateaux and flatlands in predominantly sandy, clay and silica soils.
Farming: Sustainable agriculture which is the act of farming using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. Yield limitation, green harvest, manual leaf removal to improve grape ripeness and health.
Winemaking: It is a traditional Method sparkling: Gentle extraction through pneumatic pressing / Use of gravity to avoid pumping and oxidisation / Natural settling / Fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness / After bottling, the bottle is aged for 24 months.
Tasting notes: Pale gold colour with a great aromatic intensity of small red fruits and citrus aromas. Ample and fresh palate with strawberries flavors and a floral bouquet. An elegant sparkling with very small bubbles.
92
2019
JS
93
2018
WE