Hello,
Today I want to fill you in on one of my deepest and most passionate loves in the world of wine: Cabernet Franc. Cab Franc has traditionally taken a backseat to the more popular Cabernet Sauvignon in the world's most famous red Bordeaux blends and Napa blockbusters. Cab Franc is added to Cab Sauv to add perfume but is rarely allowed to stand and deliver all on its own...except in the Loire Valley region of France. Cab Franc thrives here producing wines with an unmistakable vegetal fresh flavor. To get an idea, picture yourself in a Loire garden like such and take a giant whiff.
In good years, the serious red wines of Chinon (one of the best appellations in the Loire) are characterized by excellent red and black fruit in addition to the loads of fresh veggie and bell pepper aromas. If you don't like red wines that smack your palate with a fistful of garden veggies then these wines are definitely not for you. Most winemakers in California fear this flavor profile like the plague because of its association with under-ripeness. I think to some degree we have been trained to look for fruit and fruit only in our red wines and perceive vegetal aromas as or flawed green wines.
We lucked out and got to take a tour of my favorite Chinon producer, Couly-Doutheil. Couly is a very large producer by Chinon standards but they make the best mid level and high level Chinon wines I have ever tasted. Check out these caves:
This area has long been known for its quarries. Couly's caves were hollowed out back in the 10th century and judging from the mold on the walls some of these wines have probably been here ever since.
Here is a photo of the Cave's resident Mold Monster:
Loire Valley whites are also a treat for those who gravitate towards crisp and fruity wines. Chenin Blanc is the dominant white grape in the Loire made famous in the small town of Vouvray. My mom is primarily a white drinker and she really enjoyed the Chenin Blanc we tried in Chinon (we liked it too).
At least try a red wine from the Loire Valley of France - even if you don't like the taste I'm sure you will appreciate its unusual characteristics. Chinon and Bourgeil are my favorite appellations in the Loire but even generic lower cost wines from these areas are fun to taste slightly chilled with some goat cheese and salad after dinner (like all those snobby French do it). If you are hosting a wine party make sure to include a Cab Franc to contrast with all the cheapo fruitbombs your guests will inevitably bring.
Cheers,
Red
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