Description We’ve long been fans of the Loire whites that Franck Chatelain produces at Noël Bougrier’s fourth generation family cellar on the River Cher. In this wonderfully vibrant rosé Franck has shown an equally deft hand with the region’s classic red varieties. It’s a scintillating blend of Loire heroes Gamay and Cabernet Franc, from a ripe vintage. Gamay is best known in Beaujolais, but also excels in the Loire, lending gulpable strawberry notes, while Cabernet Franc is more raspberry and leafy. After a gentle crushing, the juice was drawn off the skins to ensure a pale pink hue and cool fermented to retain lovely summer berry aromas and flavours. Delicious as a glass on its own, it’s a top choice, too, with grilled fish, salads or a rice pilaf.
