Weekly Wine Review - Cabernet Franc - 2010 Reserve des Vignerons Saumur Champigny

Ahh... these French wine labels can make it very difficult to figure out what's going on in the bottle. "Reserve des Vignerons Saumur Champigny" - what the heck does that mean??? I give this week's wine much respect for putting the grape variety on the back label to help in the translation.  This week's wine is in fact from the Loire Valley of France.  I chose this red wine because this area in France is  known more for its white wines. Regions that specialize in one type of wine may provide an opportunity to find a good value wine outside of what they typically produce.  Just because an area is better know for a certain type of wine, doesn't mean there aren't great examples that buck the trend.

So... from the land of great French Sauvignon Blanc - let's try a Cabernet Franc!

Wine: 2010 Reserve des Vignerons Saumur Champigny

Region: Loire, France
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc

Obtained from: Purchased at Total Wine & More

Price: $13.00

Wino4Life Category: Everyday Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural Cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Wine is clear, dark red color at the center with a water white rim.

Aroma: Very nice  blackberry aroma with a bit of dried leaves and minerality.

Taste: Very nice fruity taste, a fair amount of acidity (mouth watering feel), and some minerality in the aftertaste. Some tannins - but overall nicely balanced.

The Grade: I give this one an A. Very drinkable, and nicely balanced - a super wine for $13. I have read that the 2010 vintage in Loire had a longer growing period, so the grapes ripened a bit more - and I think this wine benefited greatly.  Introduce your friends to something different - a Cabernet Franc from the Loire valley!!