Sanzay Saumur-Champigny VV 18

Sanzay’s wines are pure Cabernet Franc, and fit modern Loire style — small batch, organic, limited oak, concerned with balance and freshness rather than extraction and muscle. They use all wild yeasts, neither fine nor filter, and produce complex, natural expressions of the charming central Loire. The old-vine cuvée comes from vines aged 50-110 years, and spends a year in oak barrels (none new).

The nose is delicate and pretty, with violets, plums, and red currants. The mouth is dense and very refined, with added notes of plum, allspice and black pepper. This is expertly made Cabernet Franc, with enough intensity to carry it for at least another five years. Serve today after an hour in a decanter — it’s a vibrant, affordable break from your Rhône red fallbacks.