INSIDER'S PICK: 2020 PAUL BUISSE CHINON $17.99

If you have not had much Cabernet Franc from the Loire before, this is the perfect wine to dip your taste buds into. The past reputation has been a bit checkered and not been as widely praised by the more influential wine reviewers, so the highest quality regions like Chinon, Saumur and Bourgueil aren't as immediately known to many consumers. Cabernet Franc is also a grape that contains a naturally higher amount of pyrazines,which gives off a green, bell pepper or sometimes olive type aroma. This character is more frequent and pronounced in cooler climates or vintages, and is one of those 'trigger' elements that some individuals can be hypersensitive to, while others can find it pleasant and desirable. Some producers embrace this more than others, but this long time favorite value producer does a great job of softening a lot of the potential harder edges to give this broad appeal. Lovely aromas of wild red berries and lilac, with just an initial note of green pepper at the start that fades into more of a cracked black pepper as the wine opens and the red fruits get more pronounced. The palate is light and savory with very fine dusty tannins that give a mouthwatering nerviness to the finish. A great pairing with savory snacks and lighter meats, or an everyday value for Cab Franc fans in general.

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