Our tasting impressions
A lovely, pure expression of Chenin. It’s bright and mineral-driven. The body and texture of this wine combine in a way that makes it a pleasure to drink. The acidity is in check and the balance is very good. It’s delicious without being simple.
About this wine
100% Cabernet Franc from a vineyard planted 30 years ago in Turonian (the second age in the Late Cretaceous Epoch) limestone soil known as "tufa".
Early in the growing season, unproductive buds are removed. Leaves on the vines are thinned throughout to ensure maximum nutrients and water for the fruit. Harvesting and initial sorting is by machine. A manual sort follows as well as de-stemming. Yield was 50 hl/ha.
Fermentation lasts 10 days in tanks to enhance the fruit and maintain the tannic structure. The wine stays in the tanks for 6 months on fine lees before bottling. Total production is about 2,500 bottles.
About the grape
Chenin Blanc is one of the world's great wine grapes. Possibly dating back a millenium, Chenin is notable for its intense acidity. In fact, before the pronounced effects of climate change, cold years in the Loire produced underripe grapes and disastrous vintages. Often vintners had to add sulphur to counteract the savage acidity. Today, that does not happen much and Chenin can fully display its vivacious and glorious floral, hay and honey notes. Chenin is among the most flexible varieties for wine production. It can be vinified dry, off-dry or sweet. It also is capable of producing wines that can live and improve - seemingly - forever.
About the vintage
According to Cyril, 2023 was a complicated year. A fairly rainy spring and early summer created a very strong mildew pressure. Then between the end of August and September 15 there was significant rain, which brought rot and a harvest of just ripe grapes. Only meticulous and vigilant producers like Mary were able to produce high quality.
Domaine Mary is an exciting new family estate run by Cyril Mary and co-owned with his father Bernard. Started in 2014, the property is on the left bank of and near the northern terminus of the Vienne River. The left bank is known for producing the appellation's richest and most powerful Cabernet Franc.
The 14 hectare vineyard is in Chinon, an appellation widely recognized for producing the Loire Valley's finest Cabernet Franc.Except for 1 hectare of Chenin, the property is all Cabernet Franc. They produce 3 reds, one white and one rosé and total bottle production is less than 15,000. Even though the estate is in its pre-teens, the vines were planted up to 70 years ago.
VDLT is the first and only source for their wines in the US and the only source outside of France. Half of the sales of their 23,000 bottles production occur at the Domaine.
Cyril, 45 years old, is committed to sustainable farming without chemicals and pesticides. He strives to produce outstanding wines that express his personality and values.
