The 2021 Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Grande Cuvée Cabernet Franc Au Dessus de Vitré is a beautifully structured and deeply expressive Loire red that showcases the serious, age-worthy side of Touraine Cabernet Franc. Produced from organically farmed vineyards and crafted with a low-intervention philosophy, the cuvée comes from the “Au Dessus de Vitré” parcel, where limestone-rich soils and careful vineyard work produce fruit of remarkable concentration and mineral precision. The cooler and more classical 2021 vintage brings exceptional freshness, aromatic clarity and tension, perfectly suited to Cabernet Franc’s savoury elegance. The nose reveals blackcurrant, wild raspberry and red cherry layered alongside violet, graphite, dried herbs and subtle earthy spice, giving the wine remarkable lift and complexity.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky yet finely structured tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly focused mineral core. Layers of dark and red berry fruit, savoury herbal complexity and delicate smoky spice are balanced by freshness and limestone-driven tension, finishing long, poised and beautifully persistent with excellent precision and ageing potential. Gentle extraction and restrained élevage preserve the wine’s purity and transparency while allowing the cool-climate terroir and varietal character to emerge with remarkable clarity and finesse.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2021 Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Grande Cuvée Cabernet Franc Au Dessus de Vitré is a superb Loire Cabernet Franc — elegant, mineral and beautifully layered with outstanding freshness and structure. Perfect with roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes, charcuterie or rustic French cuisine. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2038+.
