From: Loire Valley, France
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
This wine comes from a small appellation in the heart of the Loire Valley called Saumur-Champigny, which is nestled within the larger Saumur AOP along the southern bank of the Loire and produces only Cabernet Franc-driven red wines. In 2004 the growers in the area launched a collective program intended to preserve the appellation’s biodiversity. They established protected ecological zones around the area and installed meteorological stations to gather data about the area’s the climate and wildlife. These actions have culminated in a set of practices throughout the region that promote natural regulation of harmful insects and increase the vineyard health.
Tasting Notes: This is a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc in all its purple-fruited, violet-scented, mineral-etched glory. In the glass, it boasts a lively purple/ruby color and perfumed aromas of Mirabelle plum, blackberry, cassis, and fennel. These primary fruit components are underpinned with some of the earthier, classic elements of Saumur-based Cabernet Franc: violets, crushed gravel, sage, red pepper, and allspice. It is medium-plus in body but has a brisk freshness to it that really enlivens the palate. The tannins are extremely fine and frame the dark-fruited core. The purity and pleasure of Cabernet Franc fruit is on full display, without any discernible oak to mask the ripe fruit and riot of purple flowers and crushed rocks on the finish.
Pairing: In addition to wine, mushrooms are another important product historically grown in Saumur-Champigny. The tuffeau rocks common to the vineyards in this region have also been mined extensively throughout the years, leaving damp underground spaces perfect for growing mushrooms.