Purchase
2018
Chateau de la Guerche
Cabernet Franc
Anjou, France
Alc. 13.5 %
- Retail
- $37.99
- Club Price
- $29.49
Profile
The Château de la Roulerie, located in the town of Saint Aubin de Luigné in France’s Loire Valley, dates all the way back to the 14th century. In tribute to this long, storied history, they decided to name this Château de la Guerche Anjou Rouge after the town’s famous castle, La Haut Guerche, which was built as early as the 13th century. It’s made from a small parcel of Cabernet Franc, which is harvested by hand before careful fermentation and ageing.
We’re quite familiar with Cabernet Franc in Canada since it’s a prominent grape in Niagara, but expressions from the Loire can be very different. In particular, Anjou can produce examples of great power and purity, and the climate allows for full ripening without any of the green, leafy flavours that are sometimes associated with the grape.
Try this stunning example, served at 18 C, now or over the next 3-5 years.
Smell
This aromatic Cabernet Franc showcases aromas of fresh bing cherries, raspberries and currants, with a hint of sweet strawberry jam. There's a complimentary note of bramble and forest floor, backed by hints of warm baking spices like cinnamon and clove.
Taste
On the palate, the crunchy red fruit is at the fore, with more cherry, currant, and cranberry. It's a medium-bodied wine, with approachable tannins and fresh, lingering acidity through the long finish. Think of it as a fuller-bodied, richer alternative to Pinot Noir, and drink with a very slight chill.
Pairing
This would be a natural fit with pork dishes like a bone-in roast or a pan-seared rack of lamb. Either way, opt for earthy flavours to bring out the savoury notes in the wine!
