Charles Joguet Clos de la Dioterie Chinon

Chinon, France

Chinon's most historic single-vineyard wine — Cabernet Franc from pre-phylloxera old vines on the tuffeau-clay Clos de la Dioterie parcel, enclosed by ancient stone walls. Dark cherry, dried rose, violet, earthen tuffeau mineral, cedar, and a structure built for 20 years of development. The wine that proved Loire Cabernet Franc could rival Burgundy's finest for longevity and complexity.

Pairing intelligence

• main: The great French slow-roast and Loire's greatest Cabernet Franc — the wine's structure and dark cherry supports the lamb's extraordinary gelatin depth; flageolets' earthiness bridges the tuffeau mineral
• cheese: The Loire's famous aged goat cheese and its finest Cabernet Franc — the wine's chalk mineral mirrors the aged chèvre's concentrated lactic depth; fig jam bridges the wine's dark fruit; walnuts bridge the tannin