Domaine Joël Delaunay 'L'esprit des Dames' Touraine Chenonceaux Rouge 2014

Thierry was often saddened when he saw the ladies in the winery. They looked so drab and miserable, as if their work was a chore. Surely that wasn't good for the wine. Their tired looks must affect the end result, and make it bitter and sharp.

What's needed, thought Thierry, is some glamour. Then they'll feel much better. So he set about producing a youthful, sensuous red the ladies could rub on their cheeks. A rouge to brighten up proceedings, and bring about a blushing vibrancy. The plan worked a treat. Even if the wine didn't work for everyone as make-up, drinking it put a smile upon their face. One taste, and you can tell.

Domaine Joël Delaunay is a family-owned estate located in the Touraine AOC, France. The domaine is currently run by Thierry Delaunay, the fifth generation owner, who was the first Touraine producer to bottle under screw cap in the year 2004. He follows the steps of his father Joël Delaunay, who had insisteed on bottling their wines on the estate from 1970. They operate over 34 hectares of vineyards whilst practicing sustainable viticulture methods.

Thierry Delaunay studied oenology in the Bordeaux region, after which he returned home to the domaine to join the business in 1998. Thierry was handed the business by his father within the following 10 years.

This red wine shows an intense ruby red colour whilst offering ripe red fruits on the nose. These follow on to the complex palate where they are met with richness, soft tannins and a persistent finish.