Domaine du Moulin Camus Cabernet Franc 2019 IGP Val de Loire, Loire, France 75cl

Domaine du Moulin Camus is a family estate at Vallet, in the Pays Nantais at the western end of the Loire, better known as the home of Muscadet. Here Catherine and Francois farm around forty-five hectares, with this varietal Cabernet Franc bottled as an IGP Val de Loire rather than under a village appellation.

Cabernet Franc is the Loire’s great red grape, and in this style it is all about freshness and perfume rather than power. The estate works sustainably, ferments in traditional cement tanks with native yeasts and bottles without filtration, letting the fruit speak for itself.

The 2019 vintage in the Loire was warm and ripe, which suits Cabernet Franc well, filling out its naturally leafy, red-fruited character with a little extra flesh.

Expect a pretty ruby colour with hints of violet, a nose full of red fruits and blackcurrant, and a palate with real, beautiful power carried by soft, integrated tannins. It finishes bright and moreish.

Serve it at cool room temperature, or lightly chilled in warm weather, with charcuterie, roast chicken or grilled vegetables. For anyone who enjoys fresh, food-friendly Loire reds, this is an honest, characterful glass.