La Roche by Château de la Bonneliere

Cabernet Franc Cabernet Franc is kind of like the chill cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon—lighter, fresher, and not as punchy. It usually has red fruit flavours like raspberry and strawberry, sometimes with a bit of green pepper or dried herbs. It’s got medium acidity and a bit of a leaner body, so it feels less heavy than bigger reds. You’ll find it mostly in blends (think Bordeaux), but it also shines on its own, especially in the Loire Valley in France. Cabernet Franc is easy to like if you want something lively but not overwhelming. Great with food, easy to drink.

Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon is a big deal for a reason. Expect bold flavours, mostly blackcurrant and plum, sometimes a hint of green pepper or mint. It’s full-bodied, meaning it feels heavy in your mouth, with medium to high acidity that keeps things fresh. This grape makes dry, powerful reds that can taste a bit tannic (that mouth-drying feeling), especially when young. You'll find it in famous wines from Bordeaux and California, and it’s great with steak or anything rich and meaty. In short: if you like strong, punchy reds with a bit of grip, Cabernet Sauvignon is for you.

Château de la Bonneliere Château de la Bonneliere is a small producer in the Loire Valley, France, mostly focused on Cabernet Franc. They make classic Chinon—think fresh, juicy reds with a bit of earthiness, not heavy or jammy. Organic farming is a core part of what they do, so expect cleaner, more vibrant wines rather than big, oaky monsters. If you’re after Loire reds that actually taste like where they’re from, you’re in the right place.

Loire The Loire is a big French wine region that runs along the Loire River in the north-west of France. The climate ranges from cool and rainy near the Atlantic to slightly warmer inland, so there’s lots of variety. The main grapes here are Sauvignon Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne (for Muscadet), Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc. This means you’ll find lots of crisp, refreshing whites, some lively sparklers, plus a few light and juicy reds. Loire wines are generally lighter, higher in acid, and not too heavy on oak. If you like wine that’s easy to drink and shows off the grape’s real flavours, Loire is a safe bet.

Chinon Chinon is in the Loire Valley in France, and it’s all about Cabernet Franc. The climate is kind of in-between—mild but with just enough rain and sun—which helps Cab Franc ripen without getting too heavy. You won’t find over-the-top reds here; the wines are medium-bodied, fresh, and taste a bit earthy and savoury, sometimes with blackcurrant or raspberry. There’s some white wine from Chenin Blanc, but red is what Chinon does best. Most bottles are ready to drink young, but a few can age for a while. If you’re after French red that’s not too rich or oaky, this is a good bet.

France France is where a lot of the world’s wine rules started, for better or worse. The big regions are Bordeaux (famous reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), Burgundy (mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Champagne (for bubbles), and the Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache, and friends). You’ll also find Loire (known for Sauvignon Blanc) and Alsace (think Riesling and Pinot Gris). French wine can be pricey and confusing, thanks to all the rules around regions and labels. But there’s a huge range: from simple everyday stuff to bottles that cost as much as a holiday. Whether you want red, white, rosé, or sparkling, France pretty much covers it all.

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