L'Aventure : Chloé 2017

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Chloé 2017 from L'Aventure

Tasting

Colour
The wine reveals a deep purple hue, dark and opaque, with a beautiful brilliance.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for a freshness reminiscent of cooler climates. It exudes aromas of dark fruit such as blackberry and black raspberry, intertwined with notes of white pepper, herbs, olive and forest floor. Subtle hints of spring flowers and spices complete this nuanced profile.

Palate
The palate offers a silky, seamless texture, supported by a generous body. Perfectly balanced, this red wine displays a tight, precise structure with ripe, polished tannins. The finish is long, lingering on spicy, fruity notes.

Food and wine pairing

This red wine pairs beautifully with robust meats such as a grilled dry-aged rib-eye steak, a roast leg of lamb with rosemary or game such as a venison stew. It also goes very well with duck breast with dark fruits, herb-roasted vegetables or mature hard cheeses such as Comté.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate its complexity and remove any natural sediment, it is advisable to decant the Chloé 2017 before serving. Built for long ageing, this wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop in the cellar until around 2037.

The elegance of a Californian blend from the limestone terroir of Paso Robles

The estate

Founded in 1998 by Stephan Asseo, the current owner and winemaker, the L'Aventure estate is located in the United States, in the Paso Robles region of California. After a career in the Bordeaux region, this passionate winemaker sought a terroir that would give him complete freedom in blending. The property covers 127 acres, 57 of which are planted with vines farmed using sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods. L'Aventure quickly made a name for itself with bold blends combining Rhône and Bordeaux influences, precisely expressing the singularity of its limestone terroir.

The vineyard

Located in the western part of Paso Robles, within the Willow Creek District, the vineyard sits at an altitude of between 365 and 460 metres. The vines grow on rolling slopes with poor soils composed of shale and limestone, which force the roots to dig deep. This terroir benefits from the cooling maritime influence of the Templeton Gap, resulting in naturally very low yields and slow ripening of the berries.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage offered distinctive weather conditions in the region. Temperatures allowed the grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness while retaining good natural acidity, thus avoiding overripeness and ensuring a structure well suited to long-term evolution.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for the Chloé 2017 cuvée are harvested and co-fermented together from the earliest stages of maceration, allowing an intimate integration of aromas and tannins. This American wine is then aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, split between new barrels and one-year-old barrels.

Grape varieties

74% Syrah
18% Grenache
5% Viognier
3% Graciano