Côtes de la Charité is a Loire appellation, but only just barely. It is closer to Burgundy than it is to the Atlantic Coast, and it has a lot in common with that region, both geologically and climatically. In addition, the predominant grapes are the Burgundian varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Les Pénitents has a bold nose of ripe dark cherry and rose petal, with notes of pepper, fresh-roasted coffee, and sweet spice. The palate is broad and rich, with a surprising amount of well-integrated, fine-grained tannins. Ripe fruit dominates on entry, shifting to a more savory mid-palate, finishing with notes of earth and green walnut. – ABV: 14.8%.