Bourgueil "Jour de Soif", Domaine du Bel Air - 2024

The Loire Valley has myriad red wines made from Cabernet Franc, with one of the most famous regions being Chinon, where wines can be made to be more red-fruit forward and lighter in body to more tannin heavy with darker fruit taking center stage. Another characteristic of the Cabernet Franc grape is that it can also present a green bell pepper flavor depending on how early or late the grapes are harvested in the growing season. This expression of Cabernet Franc is from the Bourgueil appellation in Touraine. It drinks slightly lighter in body, presents notes of red fruit such as red currants and raspberries, and possesses a mineral-driven backbone. The green bell pepper flavor is absent here. I was reminded of an easy-going Beaujolais Villages when I tasted this wine. Here's your alternative!