Cabernet Franc Archives - It Must Be Wine O'clock

A delightful Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

Saumur Rouge ‘Les Plantagenêts’ Cabernet Franc 2022 (Loire Valley)

The Loire Valley offers a hugely diverse range of wines, red, white and rosé, and each of the four sub-regions along the length of the river are subject to different climatic influences which are reflected in the wine styles, but overall the Loire Valley has a cool climate.

Cabernet Franc is well suited to the Loire since it flowers and ripens early, and this wine from The Wine Society is a very good example of the light-medium bodied, fruity and flavourful wines typical of Saumur.

With herbal notes, strawberry and cherry on the nose, and blackcurrant and a hint of spice on the palate, this is a balanced wine with medium tannins and acidity.

A wine to enjoy by itself or with grilled / roasted meats or vegetables. It will also go well with cold cuts or soft cheeses.

Available from The Wine So ciety (£9.25)

An expressive red wine from Bergerac. Perfect for a barbecue!

Château Bel-Air, Bergerac 2020 (France)

This expressive red wine from Bergerac in the Dordogne, just to the east of Bordeaux, is a very good example of the high-quality, good value wines from this appellation.

A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this Château Bel-Air 2020 is an elegant, well-balanced wine with generous tannins and a long finish. With plum, cherry and black fruits on the nose, and blackcurrant, plum and vanilla on the palate, this is an excellent match for a grilled or roast meat dish, or with roasted vegetables. Perfect for a barbecue!

Available from Majestic (£8.99; Mix Six £7.99)

A great value Haut-Médoc, perfect with a Sunday roast

Château Dasvin-Bel-Air, Haut-Médoc 2019 (Bordeaux)

This smooth, elegant wine is from the heart of the Médoc wine area, just to the north of the city of Bordeaux. A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, it has vanilla, blackcurrant and dark cherry on the nose, and blackcurrant and plum on the palate.

A hint of smokiness reflects the oak ageing and there is a slight earthiness in the finish. This is a well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with medium tannins, offering very good value for money.

This is an excellent match for a Sunday roast and will also go well with hard cheese.

Available from Co-op (£13.50)