Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley, France

From négociant project Les Athlétes du Vin, this natural wine collective highlights regional grape varieties from different regions, speaking to the idiosyncrasies of the Loire that make it such an incredible place to make wine. Grown from 35 year old vines, the grapes undergo a three week maceration in stainless steel tanks before being bottled with minimal sulphites, a recipe for fresh fruit and refreshing acid. This Saumur-Champigny is supple & structured, lives for a good dinner party & drinks like cranberry cocktail, tart raspberry, post-rain smells & a slightly green, vegetal note that pulls everything together like a thoughtfully placed bouquet garni. A vin de soif for the whole table, this will pair perfectly with sweethearts, in-laws & well-received interlopers of all stripes.