The World's Most Underrated Wines Part I: Loire Cabernet Franc

Mad Wine
Breton Cabernet Franc France's Loire Vally is home to many of my most-cherished whites, like Sancerre and Vouvray, but lately I've been on a kick for the reds, especially Cabernet Franc. Breton is one of my favorite producers and this lineup of 2009s did not disappoint. These are medium-bodied wines with some tannin but have moderate alcohol and oak influence. They may be the ultimate food wines; I could see enjoying Loire Cab Francs with everything from salmon to chicken to pork to beef to...you get the picture. Extremely versatile, they're the Swiss Army Knife of red wines. My favorite of the lot, pictured on the left, was La Dilettante. It actually undergoes carbonic maceration, the process which makes Beaujolais so damn gulpable and thirst-quenching. I find myself wishing it was July and I had a slightly chilled glass of this delightful Cab Franc, while sitting under the shade of an umbrella, eating burgers and dogs. (YES!) I can't think of a wine that's more fresh or fun than this charmer. But since summer is long gone and we're approaching the second half of November, I'd say Loire Cab Franc deserves a place at your Thanksgiving table. I have a few more Turkey Day selections that I'll detail in an upcoming, ubiquitous post that will be delivered with aplomb, enthusiasm, and vigor! So what wines do you feel are underrated? Follow Esquin on Twitter