Vignobles Lacheteau Chinon

TJ TuesdayTrader Joes
Written By Catherine Courtney

Vignobles Lacheteau Chinon

GRAPES: Cabernet Franc

VINTAGE: 2023

REGION: Chinon- Loire Valley, France

ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 12.5%

PRICE: $8.99

Hello, fellow wine lovers! In preparation for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I popped by Trader Joe's to grab some of my favorites before they sold out. You may have seen the TikTok with the person buying all of the chocolate-covered figs. It made me have a slight moment of panic, so I decided a TJ run was necessary. Y'all, there were so many new wines in store. Not only did they have a few new bottles on the shelves, but all of the Platinum Reserves are coming in for the holidays if you know you know. I did grab a few new bottles, but I will review them in the upcoming weeks. Today, we are sampling the 2023 Vignobles Lacheteau Chinon. I truly enjoy a Cabernet Franc and will often gravitate towards that when it's offered by the glass in a restaurant.

Why Cabernet Franc? This wine is often known for its medium body, bright acidity, and earthy, herbaceous notes. It showcases flavors and notes of red fruits like raspberry, strawberry, and cherry, with hints of green pepper, violet, and sometimes even graphite or tobacco. The tannins are typically softer and less intense than those in a Cabernet Sauvignon, making it slightly more approachable. One thing I enjoy about this type of wine is the subtle spiciness that often appears on the palate. Whether enjoyed on its own or in a blend, it's a wine that balances fruitiness with a distinct savory edge.

Without further ado, let's jump into the tasting details. Shall we?

Tasting Notes:

  • Deep red/garnet hue

  • Notes of ripe cherry and cranberry with hints of spiciness, specifically black pepper

  • Well-balanced; medium tannins

  • Notes of smokiness throughout

Verdict:

In the Nashville market, it’s unusual to find a Cabernet Franc at Trader Joe’s, so when I spotted this bottle, I couldn’t have been more excited. For $8.99, this is well worth a try. I’d recommend serving it ever so slightly chilled and allowing it to open before enjoying a glass. It could pair well with various things, particularly meat and hard cheeses. If you grab a bottle, drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Until Next Time!

Catherine Courtney

Welcome to Blonde Voyage Nashville!

I am so excited to finally see this dream become a reality.  Between the destination restaurants, the copious amount of food photos and insanely crazy travel stories, I have decided to share my journey. 

My name is Catherine Courtney and I am a Nashville native with a penchant for culinary creativity and epic travel adventures. I'll admit... I also have a slight obsession with handbags.

Two years ago, my life changed completely.  Everything that I knew to be was completely turned upside down.  I quickly realized that time is our greatest commodity and it's not to be taken for granted. I couldn't wait for the perfect time, who knew when that would be.  I needed to take the leap and explore the world on my own.  There were so many places I wanted to go, but where would I start. 

France was always one of those places that I had romanticized.  Wandering the streets of Paris and seeing the Eiffel tower were at the top of my list. Without hesitation, I booked a two week trip to the French Rivera and Paris.  It was a journey of a lifetime.  Not only were amazing friendships cultivated, but it was on that trip that i discovered that food and travel are the embers that that keep my soul on fire. 

It wasn't until I arrived back in Nashville with my passport that I realized I had been bit. Wanderlust had completely taken over.  I already started thinking about where I wanted to go next.  It was then that I decided that it was more important to have camera full of photos and a tattered journal full of stories than anything else. My heart was overflowing.

One of my favorite quotes that resonates is from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland:

"Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures...."

Join me as I explore near and far away places, filling my passport full of stamps and satiating my appetite with some of the most amazing cuisine the world has to offer. 

Thanks for reading! 

       

 

 

http://blondevoyagenashville.com
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