Les Temps des Cerises, or as the winemaker calls it, “Cherry Time!”, is the cuvée formerly known simply as 'Chinon'. It is his calling card and represents a cuvée blended from vines averaging 30 years old on a variety of tuffeau soils – sandy, clay and rockier limestone. Bright, forthright and varietally pure Cabernet Franc, it is fermented and aged in tank to preserve its charm and vigor. Drink slightly chilled (50-55 degrees) while still young (um, we mean the wine. You can enjoy it at any age).
The Winery
I haven't visited the Loire valley since 2007 (see photos), but one of my fond memories of that trip was our spontaneous afternoon visit to Domaine de la Noblaie. Jérôme (see photos, then and now) had returned to the family estate from a stint at prestigious Napa Valley wineries and was there to help with harvest at the family estate. Which was fortunate for us, as he was able to translate for his gregarious father who spoke very little English but made great, contemplaive wines. We visited during harvest, walked the vineyard, the cellar, and even the not-yet-open caves carved into the famed Loire Valley limestone, Tufo.
Now with his own hand firmly on the tiller, Jérôme is the very capable head of the Noblaie family estate. We look forward to good things to continue from here.
