Domaine de Pallus ‘Messanges’ Chinon, Loire Valley, France 2023

Messanges is one of Pallus’s more approachable cuvées, usually sourced from the estate’s younger Cabernet Franc plots. It is crafted for earlier drinking while maintaining the Loire character of clarity and freshness.

• WINEMAKER: Bertrand Sourdais
• FARMING: The vineyards are worked with care and minimal intervention, favoring balanced yields and healthy vine expression.
• VARIETY: 100 % Cabernet Franc
• TERROIR: Planted on limestone-clay slopes in Chinon, with soils that help retain freshness and structure while allowing aromatic lift.
• VINIFICATION: After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo a short maceration period (around five days) before fermenting in concrete and stainless steel vessels with native yeasts. The approach leans toward gentle extraction to preserve fruit purity and avoid aggressive tannins.
• AGING: The wine spends its élevage in concrete tanks, allowing it to maintain vibrancy and transparency of terroir. It is bottled without heavy manipulation, preserving finesse.
• TASTING NOTES: Messanges 2023 shows bright red berry and raspberry aromas, edged by hints of floral nuance and soft herbal character. The palate is lively and restrained, with crisp acidity, fine tannins, and a clean mineral finish.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Excellent with roast pork, grilled poultry, mushrooms, goat cheese, or dishes with herbs like thyme or tarragon.