Loire, France
Bourgeuil AOC
There are few properties in France that can boast such a great pioneering legacy in organic farming as Domaine Guion. In the 1950s, the Guion family established their farm in the heart of Bourgueil. Since 1965, they have farmed organically, and since taking over from his father in 1990, Stéphane Guion has placed an even greater emphasis on farming their 8.5 hectares of vines. He is a well-respected vigneron in Bourgueil and is often consulted by other growers who are curious about converting to organic farming. The Guion's vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils with vines that range from 10 to 80 years old. All fruit is hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts, and once the wine is bottled, it is aged in a large cave shared with six other families that once served as a historic Resistance hideout during World War II.
A gorgeous Cabernet Franc from the not-so-young (15 to 40 year old) vines that are planted on clay/limestone terroir. It shows a deep blackish red color with a bright rim, intense aromatics of cassis, wild raspberry, cooked blackberry, violets and stony minerality. There's earthiness in the foreground of the palate with spices and woodsy/cedary notes in the background. It's all overlaid to a medium-bodied mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and purity of fruit. Drink or hold for 5-8 years.
So good with BBQ.