Cabernet Franc is a grape that simply refuses to conform. Varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay are people pleasers that can fit into any mold the winemaker makes for them. Cabernet Franc is always and only Cabernet Franc. Insistent clay earth, ever present pepper, and lingering floral touches are the irreducible and unalterable essences of Cabernet Franc, and winemakers can either embrace all of them, or use a different grape. In the heart of the Loire between the cities of Saumur and Touraine, winemakers have chosen to embrace this grape, to elucidate the Cabernet’s Franc-ness, elaborate these hearty, earthy aromas into sturdy, quaffable wines with a touch of the stoic in them. Domaine de la Bonneliere lies in the Saumur-Champigny region, which is famous for providing Paris with its emblematic cafe wines. Hearty and easy to drink, this wine offers a rich nose of dirty tomato leaf, pipe tobacco, roasted red bell pepper, clay, blackberry, tayberry, lilac, sage, oregano and tarragon. The palate is bold, fitted with rough hewn tannins and cooled by acidity, with flavors of fresh raspberry jam, iron rich earth, and pepper. This is a great choice for steak frites or a bloody burger, potato dishes or roasted vegetables.