Cabernet Franc

Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew featuring beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bacon, creating deep, complex flavors. The rich umami notes and tender texture of this dish call for wines with good acidity and structure to cut through the richness, while complementary earthy notes enhance the mushroom and beef components.

Game birds typically offer rich, earthy flavors with varying intensity depending on the specific bird (quail, pheasant, grouse, etc.). The lean, slightly gamey meat benefits from wines with good acidity to cut through richness while complementing the earthy notes, and beers that offer complementary malt complexity without overwhelming the subtle flavors.

Game meats typically offer rich, complex flavors with earthy undertones and varying degrees of gaminess. The recommended wines provide complementary tannin structure, dark fruit notes, and earthy characteristics to match the robust nature of game meats while providing palate-cleansing acidity. The selected beer styles offer malt richness, dark fruit notes, and complementary caramel or spice notes to enhance rather than overwhelm the meat's natural flavors.

Game meats typically offer rich, earthy flavors with varying intensity depending on the specific animal (venison, boar, rabbit, etc.). The recommended pairings balance the meat's robust character with complementary earthy notes while offering enough structure to stand up to the protein without overwhelming it.

Roasted game meats typically offer rich, earthy flavors with varying degrees of gaminess depending on the specific animal (venison, boar, pheasant, etc.). The recommended wine and beer pairings balance these robust flavors with either complementary earthy notes or contrasting fruit characteristics that refresh the palate between bites.

Venison's lean, earthy, and slightly gamey profile calls for beverages that can complement its robust flavors without overwhelming them. The recommended wines offer either the elegance to enhance venison's subtleties (Pinot Noir, Barbaresco) or the structure to match its intensity (Syrah, Barolo, Malbec), while the suggested beers provide malty sweetness and complexity that balances venison's richness while complementing its earthy qualities.

Virginia wine country has a secret weapon in Cabernet Franc, and Barboursville – one of the state's most historic and respected wineries – showcases exactly why this grape thrives in the region. Founded by a friend of Thomas Jefferson (America's first notable wine enthusiast), Barboursville continues the tradition of proving that world-class wine can indeed be made on the East Coast. This Cabernet Franc captures the variety's elegant charm – more refined than its offspring Cabernet Sauvignon, with distinctive aromatic complexity that makes it endlessly fascinating in the glass. Virginia's climate allows for a perfect expression that balances ripe fruit with the grape's natural herbaceous character. There's a brightness and purity here that speaks to thoughtful winemaking and a genuine sense of place. For those who typically reach for European wines, this bottle offers a fascinating New World interpretation with Old World sensibility. It's American wine that doesn't feel the need to shout – it simply speaks eloquently.

Chinon is where Cabernet Franc finds its most pure and elegant expression, and this bottle from the biodynamic estate of Beatrice and Pascal Lambert showcases exactly why this Loire Valley appellation has such a devoted following. 'Les Terrasses' refers to the terraced vineyards where these grapes are grown – a special site that contributes to the wine's distinctive character. The Lamberts farm their vineyards biodynamically, working in harmony with nature to produce wines of remarkable purity and sense of place. This bottling captures Cabernet Franc's aromatic complexity – that beautiful tension between fruit, florals, and savory herbal notes that makes the variety so fascinating. There's a vibrancy and freshness here that speaks to thoughtful winemaking and healthy soils. It's the kind of red that pairs beautifully with food but has enough complexity to be enjoyed on its own. For those tired of heavy, oak-dominated reds, this bottle offers a refreshing alternative that sacrifices nothing in terms of flavor or character.

Cabernet Franc might be best known from France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux, but this old vine expression from Belasco de Baquedano proves that Argentina has something special to contribute to the variety's story. Part of the 'Llama' series (named for the iconic Andean animal), this bottle showcases what happens when Cabernet Franc meets the high-altitude terroir of Mendoza. Belasco's vineyards sit at over 3,000 feet above sea level, where intense sunlight and cool nights create perfect conditions for developing complex flavors while maintaining the grape's natural acidity and aromatic character. These old vines produce fewer grapes but with much more concentrated flavor and character. The result is a wine that honors Cabernet Franc's elegant nature and distinctive herbal notes while adding a layer of New World fruit intensity that makes it immediately appealing. It's a fascinating alternative for Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers looking to explore something with a bit more aromatic complexity and finesse.

This Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is like the cool indie band that musicians love – slightly under the radar but absolutely worth discovering. Brando captures the variety's signature balance of fruit and herbaceous notes without going overboard in either direction. Cabernet Franc often lives in the shadow of its more famous offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon, but in the Loire Valley, it's the undisputed star of the show. This bottle shows why the grape deserves the spotlight – it's food-friendly, expressive of its terroir, and offers complexity without being pretentious. Perfect for when you want something red that won't overwhelm your dinner or your senses.

Chateau La Freynelle proves that good Bordeaux doesn't have to cost a fortune or require decades in your cellar. This right-bank style blend leads with Merlot, creating a wine that's friendly and accessible right out of the gate – no decanting required (though it certainly wouldn't hurt). The Barthe family has been making wine here since 1789, which means they've had plenty of time to figure out what works. Their Bordeaux Rouge hits that perfect balance between traditional character and modern drinkability. It's like the ideal dinner guest – sophisticated enough to impress but not so demanding that it steals focus from the food or conversation. For those intimidated by the sometimes stuffy world of Bordeaux, this is an excellent entry point that delivers authentic regional character without the pretension or price tag of more famous châteaux.

Esprit de Pavie offers a rare opportunity to experience the pedigree of Château Pavie – one of Saint-Émilion's most prestigious estates – without the three-digit price tag. This 'second wine' is crafted with the same attention to detail as the grand vin but from younger vines and plots that don't quite make the cut for the flagship bottling. What makes this Bordeaux special is its impressive balance of power and elegance. The Merlot-dominant blend (typical of Saint-Émilion) provides plush fruit and velvety texture, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add structure and complexity. Château Pavie has been producing exceptional wines since the Roman era, and this bottling captures the essence of their terroir and winemaking philosophy. It's the vinous equivalent of getting backstage passes to a sold-out show – a behind-the-scenes look at one of Bordeaux's superstars that most wine lovers can actually afford to experience.

With a name like 'Oh La Vache!' (French for 'Holy Cow!'), this Bordeaux signals right away that it doesn't take itself too seriously – despite coming from one of the world's most prestigious wine regions. Famille Bouey has been crafting wines in Bordeaux since 1821, but this modern bottling shows their playful side. What makes this wine special is how it breaks down the stuffy image of Bordeaux and delivers a fruit-forward, approachable red that's ready to drink now – no cellar required. The traditional Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc provides classic structure and flavor, but with an emphasis on immediate enjoyment rather than long aging. It's the vinous equivalent of casual Friday – all the quality you expect but without the stuffiness. Perfect for those intimidated by Bordeaux's reputation or longtime fans looking for an everyday option that won't break the bank. The label might make you smile, but the quality inside will make you say, well... 'Oh La Vache!'

Les Ligériens Rosé d'Anjou is a classic off-dry rosé from the Loire Valley's Anjou appellation. It typically offers a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity with a light, refreshing character that has made Rosé d'Anjou one of the Loire's signature wine styles.

Mary Taylor's partnership with Jean Marc brings us this authentic Bordeaux rouge – not from a fancy château with a three-digit price tag, but the kind of honest, regional wine that locals actually drink. This bottle represents the true essence of Bordeaux without the marketing premium. Jean Marc's traditional approach to the classic Bordeaux blend creates a wine that's accessible yet still shows the regional character that made this area famous. The balance of Merlot's plush fruit, Cabernet Sauvignon's structure, and Cabernet Franc's aromatic complexity delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience that pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods. Mary Taylor's mission of bringing authentic regional wines directly to consumers means you're getting genuine Bordeaux quality without paying for elaborate packaging or prestigious appellations. It's like having a direct line to the everyday wines that Bordeaux families keep for themselves – honest, satisfying, and remarkably good value.

Mary Taylor's partnership with Pascal Bioutteau brings us this authentic expression of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc from the Anjou region. Bioutteau's family has been growing vines in this area for generations, giving him an intimate understanding of how to express the region's unique terroir. This bottle showcases what makes Loire Cabernet Franc so distinctive – that perfect balance of fruit, herbal notes, and minerality that creates a wine of remarkable complexity and food-friendliness. The region's tuffeau limestone soils impart a distinctive mineral character that complements the variety's natural aromatics. Mary Taylor's commitment to highlighting authentic regional wines allows this genuine expression to reach wine lovers without corporate markup or marketing fluff. It's the kind of honest, terroir-driven red that locals have been enjoying for generations – versatile, characterful, and a perfect companion to a wide range of foods.

Michael David Winery doesn't do subtle – and thank goodness for that. Their Inkblot series takes underappreciated grape varieties and turns them into bold, statement-making wines that demand attention. This Cabernet Franc is like Cab Franc's bodybuilder cousin who spent the summer in the gym while everyone else was lounging at the beach. Lodi's warm climate allows Cabernet Franc to reach a level of ripeness and concentration rarely seen in its traditional Loire Valley homeland. The result is a wine that maintains the variety's characteristic herb and graphite notes but wraps them in a package of luscious, concentrated fruit. It's perfect for those who appreciate the variety's unique character but prefer their wines with a bit more muscle. The name 'Inkblot' is fitting – this wine is so dense and dark it could leave a permanent mark on your palate (in the best possible way).

Argentina might be Malbec country, but this Cabernet Franc proves there's plenty of room for other varieties to shine in the foothills of the Andes. Montesco has crafted a wine that beautifully expresses Cab Franc's distinctive character while reflecting the unique high-altitude terroir of Mendoza. What makes Piefranc special is how it walks the line between Old World structure and New World fruit expression. The high-altitude vineyards provide intense sunlight for ripening while cool nights preserve the grape's natural acidity and aromatic complexity. The result is a wine with the varietal's characteristic herbaceous notes and graphite minerality, but with a generosity of fruit that makes it immediately appealing. It's Cab Franc that doesn't require a wine degree to appreciate – though wine geeks will find plenty to contemplate in its nuanced layers.

Scarpetta's Cabernet Franc comes from the northeastern Italian region of Friuli, where the variety thrives in the cool climate and produces wines with remarkable elegance and aromatic complexity. This isn't the riper, more powerful style found in warmer regions – instead, it showcases the grape's inherent freshness and subtle herbal character that make it so compelling. The name 'Scarpetta' refers to the Italian tradition of using a piece of bread to soak up the last bit of sauce on your plate – a fitting name for wines designed to be enjoyed with food. This Cabernet Franc is crafted in a food-friendly style that emphasizes purity of fruit and regional character rather than heavy oak or extraction. It's the perfect bottle for those looking to explore beyond the usual suspects and discover why sommeliers and wine professionals often count Cab Franc among their personal favorites. Sometimes the supporting actor delivers the most memorable performance.

This Bordeaux Supérieur delivers exactly what the 'Supérieur' designation promises – a step up from basic Bordeaux without requiring a second mortgage. From the right bank of Bordeaux, this Merlot-dominant blend embodies the approachable side of the world's most famous wine region. Château St-Bernard crafts a wine that respects tradition while remaining accessible to modern palates. It's got enough of that classic Bordeaux character – think pencil shavings, subtle earthiness, and restrained fruit – to satisfy the purists, but with a friendlier, more approachable structure than its fancier cousins. Perfect for those nights when you want to feel a bit sophisticated without the pressure of decanting something precious from 1982.

With a name that sounds like a medieval French noblewoman with a penchant for trouble (and who wouldn't want to drink to that?), Dangereuse d'Aquitaine brings together the unlikely pairing of Cabernet Franc and Gamay. It's a cross-regional blend that shouldn't work but absolutely does. Teutonic Wine Company founders Barnaby and Olga Tuttle are known for their German-inspired wines, but this bottling shows they're equally adept at playing with French varieties. The combination of Cabernet Franc's structure and herbal notes with Gamay's juicy fruit and brightness creates a wine that's both serious and joyful – intellectual enough for contemplation but easy enough to simply enjoy. It's the vinous equivalent of that fascinating friend who's equally comfortable discussing philosophy or binge-watching reality TV.