At a glance

Producer

Bernard Baudry

Region

Loire Valley, Chinon, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Bright red fruits (cherry, raspberry), hints of earth, pencil lead, and subtle floral notes. Tannins are present with freshness in acidity.

Evolution: Will develop more complex earthy and peppery secondary aromas over 3-5 years, with softened tannins.

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, earth, and spice with smooth texture and lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, fresh

Tannins

Medium to firm, structured

Alcohol

13.0%-13.5%

Aging potential

10-15 years from vintage, best within 2026-2035

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2033

Optimal window

2026 to 2035

Current status

Approaching drinkability with some aging potential

Current condition

Youthful with primary fruit and notable tannins

Bernard Baudry’s Les Granges is a classic Chinon Cabernet Franc showing good structure and acidity, typical of a quality Loire red. The 2022 vintage benefits from good ripeness and freshness, allowing this wine to mature harmoniously over 10-15 years, reaching a peak when tannins soften but vibrancy remains.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with roasted lamb, game birds, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and grilled vegetables reflecting its earthiness and medium body.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (60 minutes) — Helps integrate tannins and open up aromas in this youthful structured red.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Focus on soil health, limited synthetic chemicals, hand harvesting, water conservation, and use of natural yeasts

Bernard Baudry is well-regarded for environmentally conscious practices emphasizing sustainability without full certification. Their biodiverse vineyard management and careful energy and water use reduce impact. Shipping mainly targets Europe and select international markets which moderately increases carbon footprint but remains lower than industrial scale producers.