Description
Domaine Gayda Figure Libre Cabernet Franc 2021 cannot be one of the Languedoc AOCs as Cabernet Franc is not a permitted variety in the region. But, fear not, some of the best wines in the Languedoc region are IGP wines (previously “Vins de Pays”) like this one. Despite not being permitted, Cabernet Franc suits the sandstone terroir. Winemaker, Vincent Chansault, planted Cabernet Franc (from his home region, the Loire Valley) for that reason and he manages to combine the subtleness of Loire red wines with the boldness of many Languedoc red wines.
This organic red wine is of amazing quality, quite elegant and yet bursting with intense aromas and complex flavours. It is rather unique in style and definitely worth a try. Domaine Gayda Figure Libre Cabernet Franc 2021, like previous vintages, is beautifully fragrant with concentrated, ripe fruit aromas of cassis, black cherries, raspberries and some floral notes such as lilac. This fruity character extends to the palate and addded to the intense black fruits and raspberry are hints of caramel, graphite and liquorice developed from the oak ageing.
Despite the intensity and complexity of the aromas and flavours, the wine remains rather refined and certainly more than you might expect for an IGP. Domaine Gayda uses only 20% new oak in this wine so the effects are quite subtle. It is medium-bodied and retains the great balance of fruit, very fine tannins and refreshing acidity. It’s not surprising that it is a customer favourite.
Opaque, perfumed with fragrant black cherry, cassis and spice, Domaine Gayda Figure Libre Cabernet Franc is full bodied, intense with countless layers of flavour including blackcurrant, cedar and graphite. Dense fruit on the palate is bound by a structure of fine grained tannins and a lively acidity. This wine shows great depth and character and yet is refined with a long, elegant finish. For another lovely Cabernet Franc, try Stratus from Canada.