LeDomduVin: A Cabernet Franc Crave

 

A Cabernet Franc Crave

When asked what my favorite grape variety is, my heart balances between Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Cabernet Sauvignon, as I am from Bordeaux, and thus grew up with wines predominantly made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. And, no matter what I do, I always come back to Bordeaux wines. Back to my roots.

And, Pinot Noir, as, throughout my career as a Sommelier/Wine Buyer, I have learned how to also love and, with age, even prefer Pinot Noir. I slowly became a traitor to my region of Bordeaux, by drinking more Burgundy.

As someone told me recently, and I think this sentence perfectly resumes the situation and reflects the reality of the drinking habits of a lot of people I know:

«Les amateurs de bons vins naissent à Bordeaux et meurent en Bourgogne!»

(“Lovers of good wines are born in Bordeaux and die in Burgundy!”)

However, besides these two, another grape variety that also gives me true pleasure in drinking is Cabernet Franc. And, do not ask me why, as, if not done right, Cabernet Franc can be green, herbaceous, bitter, tannic, rugged, even rough and rustic, and rather unpleasant.

Yet, when done right, especially in the Loire Valley, where it is thriving, Cabernet Franc is delightful, and can easily withstand or even surpass some of its Bordeaux and Burgundy counterparts, in terms of taste, complexity, and more especially price, like this wine at around 8€ a bottle.

Driven by the sudden desire to drink a Cabernet Franc, on a budget, I just picked it up from the aisle of a local supermarket, to give it a try; more by curiosity than knowledge, as despite the famous names of Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur, Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire (the list would be too long to mention them all…), I must admit that my knowledge of Loire Valley is rather limited.

Domaine Bruneau “Grande Cuvée” Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil Vieilles Vignes 2018, is an exquisite little wine, well crafted, light to medium-bodied, well balanced, fairly supple, boasting fresh, crisp acidity, deliciously perfumed, exhibiting aromas of raspberry and blackcurrant, with bramble notes. It paired well with the slices of Salchichon Iberico Bellota.

Cheers! Santé!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur Champigny "Terres Chaudes" Loire Valley 2018

Thierry Germain Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur Champigny "Terres Chaudes" 

Loire Valley 2018

In truth, I'm a bit biased when it comes to Thierry Germain's wines, as I have been buying them for a long time (the last 2 decades, at least), and I have always loved them.

Cab Franc is not the usual crowd-pleaser, yet, I used this particular wine for 2 big events recently, and it was a real success, everyone loved it.

I wanted a different type of wine than the usual (and utterly boring) Merlot or Cab Sauv offered at parties and events. And, as I am a huge fan of Cabernet Franc, I thought I would dare.

The tricky part with Cabernet Franc-based wines is that they can be dry, tannic, astringent, earthy, austere, and even green (vegetable/leaf), especially if slightly unripe.

Yet, I knew that by selecting a wine from Thierry Germain / Domaine des Roches Neuves, I was not taking much risk, as they are always fruit-driven, balanced, and harmonious (and organic).

As expected, the wine did not disappoint and showed really well. Boasting aromas of ripe dark berries and cherries, plum, with earthy notes complemented by subtle oak and mineral nuances. The palate is lush, ripe, generous, and ample, without being heavy, balanced by the right amount of acidity and a solid grip of present yet integrated tannins, providing backbone and structure to this charming wine combining both intensity and depth.

To be honest, the juiciness, freshness, and complexity of this wine make it suitable to be enjoyed both alone or with food. I tasted it with a "cooked sous-vide" 48 hours US Prime Short Ribs, and it was to die for. Loved it.

After the tasting, I brought the rest of the bottle home to finish it with my dinner. I had a glass with some roasted chicken I prepared, delicious! And left some to be tasted the next day, as I felt it could use more opening. And, I was right, the next day, coming back home after work, I poured myself the last glass, and it was even better. Man, what a wine! Highly recommended. Moreover, it is a steal at this price!

Thank you, Thierry Germain!

Santé! Cheers!

Dom

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LeDomduVin: Club des Sommeliers Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueuil 2018

Club des Sommeliers 

Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueuil 2018

Funny enough, looking at some pictures from about a year ago, nearly the same day, I realized that I also bought a bottle of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueuil. 

Obviously, January must have a subliminal effect on my love and occasional craving for Cabernet Franc wines 🍷 😋 👍😁

Last Sunday, after biking until late in the afternoon, with my daughter, we stopped by a French gourmet store, in TKO, bought a few groceries and my eyes fell on this bottle from the "Club des Sommeliers".

I don't think I've ever tasted a bottle from "Club des Sommeliers" before, so I took it to try. And, coincidentally, I started writing that post about "Sommelier" earlier that day (see my previous post on the subject from a few days ago). I guess that bottle inspired me the rest of the post that day while sipping it with some charcuterie. 

The wine had nothing extraordinary, and, at that price, nothing extraordinary was expected, nor anything unexpected or wrong either. It was just a nice, quaffable, and approachable Cabernet Franc, fairly harmonious, well balanced between the fruit and the acidity and the tannins. 

The tannins are present, and add to the structure and texture, yet are integrated and not astringent. The fruit is also ripe enough to please the palate, provide a juicy attack and mid-palate, and prevent the green vegetal and astringent edges some Cab Franc are renowned for. 

Nice and quaffable, as I was saying. It went perfectly well with the saucisson. 

Cheers! Santé! 

Dom 

NB: It is important to always keep a saucisson handy for any occasion at home. 

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Unless stated otherwise, all right reserved ©LeDomduVin 2022 on all the contents above including, but not limited to, photos, pictures, maps, memes, posts, texts, writings, quotes, notes, tasting notes, descriptions, wine descriptions, definitions, recipes, drawings, illustrations, visuals, graphs, tables, and even music and video (when and where applicable).