Francois Blanchard, Boisson Vivante 2016, Le Grand Clére Cabernet Franc, Vin De France, France

Tasting Note: Who knew cabernet franc could taste even better when bottled under pressure and made slightly bubbly?

Impress a cabernet franc nerd in your life with this bottle.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this petillant wine has an aromatic nose of red plum, pencil shavings, violet, red currant and forest floor.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus bodied cabernet franc, is slightly bubbly in texture reminiscent of what you would get in a soft drink – but this is no soft drink – it’s cabernet franc heaven, that would be perfect to serve slightly chilled in summer (or winter, fall or spring for that matter).

There is balance between the fruit and ripe, medium tannin along with mid-palate concentration that balances well with the wine’s petillant character.

Everything you adore about Loire cabernet franc (even as this is vin de france) but even better.

I’ve found a new love.