100% Cabernet Franc from Loire Valley, France.
SRP of $18 and available for as low as $13. Sample received courtesy Pasternak Wine Imports for review purposes.
From the bottle:
"Guy Saget Estates is a family owned and managed Loire Valley winery, now in its 8th generation.
Deep ruby coloured wine. Delicate and intense nose of fresh red fruits such as raspberries and redcurrants. Well-developed aromas, elegant, easy to drink, it has also vigorous fruity flavors with a spicy finish and well integrated tannins.
12.5% Alcohol"
It's not often you see a wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc as is today's selection. Cabernet Franc is one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon (along with Sauvignon Blanc) and one of its distinguishing features is that it is able to withstand slightly cooler temperatures than Cabernet Sauvignon. This has made it popular in many non-traditional wine regions in the U.S. like New York, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Virgina. The primary region for this grape; however, is France and specifically the Loire Valley. Winemakers in this area commonly use Cabernet Franc in their fine Bordeaux blends but you also find a good number of wineries enjoying success with 100% Cabernet Franc, such as today's wine from Guy Saget Estates.
The 2009 Guy Saget Estates Marie de Beauregard Chinon Cabernet Franc begins with aromas of ripe dark fruit such as blackcurrant, plum and blackberry as well as vanilla. The wine tastes more of red fruit than black with cherry and raspberry flavors plus some nice silky tannins. A healthy dose of olive and herbs come through strong on the medium-long finish and really give the wine a distinct character. If the finish is a little too much for you when you first give it a try (as it was for my wife) just give it some time to breathe. It really mellowed out on day 2 and was very nice although personally I preferred it on day 1. Either way, you can't go wrong.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.5
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