I've noticed Cab Franc has been all the rage this year, and it seems the hype will lead us straight through Autumn. Some of my favorite expressions of this grape come straight-up from France---no blending necessary---more specifically Bourgueil. The region, besides being one of my favorite words to say [pronounced: bore-goy!], is one of roughly six sections in the Loire Valley known for the variety, and is perhaps the greatest "French-drinker's" Cab Franc, featuring less fruity, angular characteristics of gravel and spice. Our recent faves:
Domaine du Mortier Boisard et Fils - 2008 St. Nicolas de Bourgueil Graviers
This soul-satisfying wine is latent with iron, slate, & steel, though manages quite well in keepin' it funky-fresh with some rustic blueberry & wintery spices. Mortier's wines are wild and beautiful, and besides sporting très cute labels (they know how to get me!) become ever more charming through the magic of Google Translate: "we find in this wine quite pronounced fruit notes and then move to more complex notes of spices and often type 'animal.'" Adorable and delicious.
Domaine Bruno Dufeu - 2008 Cuvée Grand Mont Bourgueil
Oh, oh, oh!---am I drinking Spanish coffee? It's got all that fresh, voluminous pizzaz with mineral, slate, and caramelized sugars, & a hefty dose of meaty texture. My palate is pleased.
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