La Ripaille Rouge, 2022

Made by the son of the family behind Clos Rougeard, the Loire's most famous red, from the vineyard he chose first. Serious, slow-built Cabernet Franc.

Cabernet Franc from old vines in the La Ripaille vineyard in Brézé, made by Antoine Foucault, who learned his trade at his father's estate, Clos Rougeard. Red and black berries, a crushed-stone edge, savoury spice and fine tannins, from a warm 2022 that still kept its freshness. It spends two to three years in a cold cellar before bottling, so it opens slowly.