Pierre Chainier
2012 Quintessence Chinon Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
France: Loire Valley
Mission Briefing
The Star of Loire
Today’s Pierre Chainier 2012 Quintessence Chinon Cabernet Franc is a beautifully elegant 100% Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley.
We love our Cab Francs here at TWS. Agent Red in particular, is always on the lookout for more. Today’s French Franc leans a bit more on structure and terroir rather than the fruit-forward nature of many California Francs. This elegant flavor profile is a beautiful change of pace, and makes today’s wine a spectacular pairing for a wide variety of meal options.
Please enjoy today’s French treat with our highest recommendation.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Perfectly diffused dark cherry red throughout the glass, with flecks of lighter ruby shining through. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | Very crisp and clean on the nose, with fruit forward notes of mulberry, wild strawberry, and black cherry joined by a touch of dried fallen leaves, sweet tobacco leaf, and a hint of a fresh spring garden. |
| Taste: | Very elegant, with a classic French flavor profile through and through. Black cherry, sweet plum, and fresh raspberry are framed against California bay leaf, tobacco leaf, dried cranberry, cassis, and a lovely dried herbal element that perfectly frames the other flavor components. |
| Finish: | Smooth and supple, with great structure and velvety tannins that leave a slight pucker at the edge of the tongue. |
| Pairing: | Skewers of pork tenderloin, sweet onion, and red pepper, finished with a fresh balsamic glaze. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- Francois Chainier
- Appellation
- Loire Valley, France
- Fruit Variety
- 100% Cabernet Franc
- ABV
- 13%