The more I read about the wines sent to me from VindeLoire, the more I am learning about the Loire Valley region.  As it turns out, it is the world’s largest Cabernet Franc growing region. If my research serves me correctly, 63% of the world’s Cabernet Franc plantings are in the Loire Valley. In all seriousness, that is huge and something to be proud of if the resultant wines, such as this one, are anything to go by.

The vines for this wine were planted at Domaine Frederic Mabileau in 1983, and are the first plot planted at the biodynamic vineyard. The fruit is all hand-picked from the terraced vineyard, indigenous yeast is used and does not see any oak during maturation. This is such a pure and unadulterated wine that I could not help but admire as it sat in my glass while making my notes. As much as it sits in the upper price range for a Cabernet Franc, once you try it, you will realise and appreciate the value.

Also, the good thing about Cabernet Franc is its versatility as a grape variety. It can be, and is, used to produce a Rosé style of wine and sparkling wine. I have been an advocate of Cabernet Franc being the ideal variety for a Rosé, however, I am yet to try it in a sparkling wine format. I’m intrigued to say the least.

Between 7 and 20 November 2024, and, 5 and 18 December 2024, selected Dan Murphy stores across Victoria and New South Wales will be conducting tastings of wines from the Loire Valley thanks to Vinsdeloire.  Check out the list of wines here. When you peruse the list, you will see there is a good variety of wines to try, and some are very well priced too…and that’s what we like.

Region: Loire Valley, France     Price: $52.99     Source: Sample thanks kindly to Vinsdeloire and Hopscotch Season Groupe 

Stop the press! Cabernet Franc may well become my favourite Cabernet family red wine variety. I have tried one or two lately and this one from Domaine Frederic Mabileau certainly sits alongside them for quality, that’s for sure. Straight up, I am liking the look of it in the glass. Even at 5 years of age, it is still quite a youthful purple colour. On the nose it has dark cherry aromas coupled with a slight fennel and leafy character. On the palate it sits at a little below medium-bodied range due, I think, to some nice bold flavours while having a certain fresh-like youthful feel too. The fruit profile sits mainly in the black cherry and blackcurrant zone which is complemented by that leafy character here too. Tannins are present but do not distract from the overall charm of this wine. A damn good wine!