J.L. Denois

The Aude has this perfect mesoclimate where the fall lingers softly and without much rain, allowing for long hang times while the grapes go on developing ever more phenolic complexity and the cool nights keep the acidity from dropping off. Not only is this ideal for sparkling wine and Burgundian fruit, but in the warmer plots this effect has been tremendous on the Southwest/Bordeaux varieties, producing fleet footed, invitingly elegant expressions in Denois’s hands. This Cabernet Franc leans toward delicacy with gentle tannins and expressive red currant fruit aromas supported by cool climate notes of bell pepper and brambles. With decanting, the red currant notes morph into black currant as a hint of mint emerges, growing denser and more handsome still. This pairs beautifully well with sautéed veal with morels, basquaise chicken, stuffed calamari, and porcini mushroom omelettes.