WTN: The ABV is too high: 2020 Chidaine and Barale

Global warming, vineyard practices, who knows. But I've been afflicted with two overly alcoholic offenders these past days.

Yesterday it was the 2020 Chidaine Clos du Breuil Montlouis which had some attractive features, being ripe firm and powerful, full throttle wine with elegant light citrus flavors. But, eventually the weight and the 14.5% alcohol were too much. I haven't tracked the wine every vintage, but my memory of Clos du Breuil is an energetic crisp wine. Things have changed.

Today the 2020 Barale Barbera d'Alba Castlé, sporting a 15% alcohol label, showed some nice aspects with ripe fruit and hints of mineral precision underneath. But more overwhelming were the flavors that began to lean porty. And the overall high octane quickly became tiring, as I suspect it would even in the depths of winter!

Thirty degrees here in ABland and sipping a nice Okanagan Pinot Gris from Fern Walk. Think I am in better shape Rahsaan

[David M. Bueker]

Climate change for sure.

I too have noticed this in several dry Loire chenins from 2018 - 20. Flabby instead of brightly focussed. I was hoping that a producer of Chidaine's reputation would manage better. The producers need to reflect on how to revert closer to type; earlier harvesting, changing cultivation methods?

It may be even worse with demi-sec and moelleux.