Domaine Philippe Alliet, Chinon Rouge (Loire Valley, France) 2021

 Cabernet Franc from Loire yields increasingly rich, vibrant, and long-lasting wines, and Domaine Philippe Alliet offers a brilliant entry Chinon Rouge.  This 2021 Cabernet Franc opens with black cherries, cranberry, currant, cassis, and underbrush, all supported by elegant tannins and lively acidity.  A bit of that Cabernet Franc leafiness is typical of younger Chinon, but it is more of an accent than an intrusion here.  This will pair perfectly with old-school dishes like steak au poivre and coq au vin.  If you have a bottle at room temperature, put it in the fridge for 30 minutes before opening and do consider decanting.