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From The Guardian... "'You think, has the world gone mad?' says Sam Harrop. 'We're spending thousands on cases of en primeur Bordeaux when a few hundred miles up the road there's a region producing red wines showing better terroir, and with more vibrancy for a fraction of the price.' He's talking about the Loire. Specifically, about Loire cabernet franc. Harrop's a New Zealander and master of wine, who's just spent four years advising Loire wine-makers on how they might improve their wines for the British palate, so he's not unbiased. But he does have a point. Cabernet franc is under-valued, not just at the top level, but all the way down to the supermarket shelf." While no one should be comparing cabernet franc from Loire Valley to cabernet franc from the Right Bank, I can't dispute the quality nor the value. If modern gamay from Beaujolais is considered fresh and bright, then modern cabernet franc from Loire is fresh and dark. Wet cement, juicy raspberry, vibrant blueberry, and roasted red pepper, with some faint cocoa powder and floral undertones.
From The Guardian... "'You think, has the world gone mad?' says Sam Harrop. 'We're spending thousands on cases of en primeur Bordeaux when a few hundred miles up the road there's a region producing red wines showing better terroir, and with more vibrancy for a fraction of the price.' He's talking about the Loire. Specifically, about Loire cabernet franc. Harrop's a New Zealander and master of wine, who's just spent four years advising Loire wine-makers on how they might improve their wines for the British palate, so he's not unbiased. But he does have a point. Cabernet franc is under-valued, not just at the top level, but all the way down to the supermarket shelf." While no one should be comparing cabernet franc from Loire Valley to cabernet franc from the Right Bank, I can't dispute the quality nor the value. If modern gamay from Beaujolais is considered fresh and bright, then modern cabernet franc from Loire is fresh and dark. Wet cement, juicy raspberry, vibrant blueberry, and roasted red pepper, with some faint cocoa powder and floral undertones.
Underripe cherry, tomato, pencil shaving, bell pepper, dusty cellar. Fairly lean on the palate with slightly underripe red fruit, tomato, and stong mineral finish reminscent of Flintstone vitamins. Med+ acid and tannins which are fairly course.
I love this style, but I understand how the tannins and green notes could be off-putting for some. A bit thin and lacking a bit of complexity to be outstanding, but still very enjoyable and a good value.
Underripe cherry, tomato, pencil shaving, bell pepper, dusty cellar. Fairly lean on the palate with slightly underripe red fruit, tomato, and stong mineral finish reminscent of Flintstone vitamins. Med+ acid and tannins which are fairly course.
I love this style, but I understand how the tannins and green notes could be off-putting for some. A bit thin and lacking a bit of complexity to be outstanding, but still very enjoyable and a good value.
Saumur, Anjou-Saumur, Loire Valley, France
