I simply can’t get bored of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, given that it’s well made. My experience from recent years is that the cheaper it is the better made. It rarely disappoints under 12 Euros, but the more expensive ones… I actually stopped buying them.
Domaine Olivier Cuvée de L’aloulette Bourgueil 2018 is just another example. Thankfully the supermarket chain Auchan is present in Hungary, so a few Loire Cabfrancs are available here – no one else sells them, it’s an obscure category for Hungarians.
Textbook typicity. Such a lovely nose – vibrant and fresh, full of violets and cassis. Oozes cool climate, but there’s not a bit of greenness in it. Medium-bodied and the balance is just perfect. Not heavy, not light, properly structured but not overly tannic, drinks beautifully. Classic, elegant style, it’s so French, so refined. A complete wine.
Rating: very, very good, 89 points; in it’s class: 10/10.
Price: around 10€.
Stockist: Auchan.
Value: great, it’s highly recommended.
Tasted: March, 2020.
Source: own purchase.
Drinking window: now-2023.