La Varenne
La Varenne sits in Chinon, the heart of the Middle Loire's red wine country. Here, on the banks of the Vienne River, Cabernet Franc thrives in cool conditions, developing the variety's signature structure and mineral edge. The winery's two flagship wines—Les Pierres Blanches Chinon and Tradition Chinon—both draw from this terroir. Les Pierres Blanches, the higher-rated of the pair, reflects the precision Cabernet Franc achieves in this corner of Touraine, where slate and limestone soils impart definition. Tradition Chinon offers a more direct expression of the appellation's character. Both wines have been assessed by Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, placing La Varenne within the critical conversation around Loire reds. Chinon itself is known for Cabernet Franc wines of elegance and aging potential—wines that balance ripe fruit with acidity and tannin structure. La Varenne's portfolio sits squarely in that tradition.
Critics
Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast