Let’s be ‘Franc’- Cabernet Franc is a slightly misunderstood and slept on grape. For the most part you would be hard pressed to find a 100% Cabernet Franc varietal wine outside of the Loire Valley. This sensitive variety needs some extra care and attention in the vineyard to prevent an overly green character in the wine. However, made correctly, Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is one of the most dazzling wines out there! Also in a world where ripeness is now easy to come by but achieving freshness is challenging, the scales are tipping to Cabernet Franc’s favour. With the warm and successful vintages of late, we are seeing some of the best bottlings of this grape. We are seeing this especially in Saumur in the Loire Valley, which focuses almost entirely on Cabernet Franc production. We’re so excited by these developments that we made you a pack of three of our favourites in the shop!
Reserve de Vignerons 2021 Saumur Rouge $22.95
This winery is part of the Alliance Loire. They are a group of wineries in the Loire that have pooled their resources to market and sell their wines. This group of family run wineries is so small that without each other’s support we wouldn’t be able to carry these delicious wines.This crowd pleasing Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is a great entry way to Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. Ruby red with notes of ripe red berries, cherries, fresh mint, baking spices and pepper. It is fresh and juicy, the perfect thirst quencher! This wine will go great with roasted meats and soft cheeses.
Domaine de Peyanne 2019 ‘La Mouraude’ $24.95
Christian Blet is a 4th generation winegrower. He joined the Alliance Loire to preserve the history and tradition of his small family vineyard in Saumur. A beautiful purple in the glass with notes of raspberries, fresh fennel fronds, clove and black pepper. The intense flavours are followed by a fresh, long finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with rich pastas to let the acidity shine as a palate cleanser.
Arnaud Lambert 2021 Saumur Champigny ‘Terres Rouge’ $36.85
Arnaud Lambert’s wines are highly coveted. This independent winemaker’s Cabernet Franc expresses a more elegant version of Cabernet Franc. The vineyards here are in the south Saumur, in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, there is a bit of clay here which the Franc really loves. The southern aspect means there’s enough sunshine so you won’t get as much of those green notes – just pure and energetic flavours. It’s no surprise this wine shows up on so many great wine lists. Open up this special bottle with friends, it will be a conversation wine! Enjoy with a slight chill paired with leaner roasted meats to get the most out of it.
