Starting with only two hectares in 1982, Bernard Baudry, now working side-by-side with his dynamic son Matthieu, has grown the domaine to its present area of 30 hectares. This size allows him to vinify each parcel separately and show the distinct terroirs in the area. The Les Granges, from sandy, gravelly soil is an excellent expression of Cabernet Franc, with great fruit and balance. The Grezeaux, from 50 year old vines planted in gravel and clay shows a distinct smoky, bacon-y and blueberry component. Clos Guillot is from clay over yellow limestone and is perhaps the finest and most elegant of Baudry’s wines. Finally the Croix BoiseÅLe, from 35-40 year old vines planted in chalky, white limestone soil, spends up to two years in barrel and always shows as the most structured cuveÅLe.
Les Granges is a 6 hectare vineyard, located on the banks of the Vienne, consisting of alluvial sand and gravel soils. The vines were planted between 1985 and 1988. This is Baudry’s entry level Chinon. These are some of Baudry’s youngest vines yet they offer remarkable character. Yields are 40-50 hl/ha, and fermentation is temperature-controlled in stainless steel. The final assemblage is in concrete. The 2010 vintage is an excellent follow-up to the highly regarded 2009, with juicy, bright cherry and red berry and a note of tobacco. Matthieu is very happy with his 2010s.