Philippe Alliet is one of the icons of the Loire Valley, and produces some of the region's greatest red wine values.

This comes from 45 year-old vines. Soft, fresh red fruit, exotic spices, earth and crushed red pepper. Incredible purity. From Cravant-les-Coteaux, home to some of the best Cabernet Franc vineyards in the Loire. Organic. 

VM89: Made in a smooth and rather creamy, very relaxed style, the 2020 Chinon offers ripe red and black currants and pencil lead. There's an attractive creaminess on the midpalate, but it remains light and easy to like. This hails from the sandy/gravel vineyards next to the winery, planted 30–50 years ago, and the tannins are light but gravelly. It's not the most complicated wine but it’s not trying to be. It is joyful, however.