Chinon is the appellation for red wines from the historic town of Chinon and 7 surrounding communes in the central Loire Valley wine region of France. These are made almost entirely from Cabernet Franc which responds particularly well to the mild, maritime-influenced climate and free-draining soils. The reds vary from light-bodied, fruit-driven styles, not dissimilar to good Beaujolais, to silky, mid-bodied wines with complex notes of undergrowth, spice and ripe berry fruit. Tasting notes for Chinon reds often cite raspberries and pencil shavings.