Loire Valley cabernet franc around 10 is one of the most reliable red wine category in my experience. Disappointments are rare and the wines are lovely, always low in alcohol (12-13%), fresh and pure. This producer is new to me, but I’m not even surprised that the wine is superb.

A perfect Chinon. Great typicity, black currants and the trademark spiciness, nothing green, nothing baked – perfectly ripe cool-climate fruits. Lovely transparency, no oak in sight. Hardly medium-bodied, unforced, with integrated acidity and firm, ripe tannins. Savoury and bone dry, but not austere, just classical Frenc red wine proportions. So enjoyable, I love it. 88 points. Best to drink now, with the young fruit aromas, IMO, although you can hold it for 3-5 years. 8,65€ at vinatis.com, great value.