At a glance

Producer

Daniel Sage

Region

Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Bright red fruit (raspberry, cranberry), floral notes, leafy green and graphite nuances.

Evolution: Fruit will mature to darker berry and subtle spice notes, with earth and mineral complexity emerging.

At peak: Silky texture with well-integrated tannins, complex herbal and mineral bouquet, long finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity, typical of Loire Cabernet Franc

Tannins

Medium tannins, slightly grippy but well-balanced

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-10 years from vintage given quality producer and vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2031

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

Accessible now but will improve with a few years of aging

Current condition

Youthful fruit with fresh herbal and mineral notes

This wine benefits from moderate bottle age to allow Cabernet Franc's signature herbaceousness and firm tannins to soften and develop complexity, reaching peak drinking 6-10 years post vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Daniel Sage employs minimal intervention, cover crops, manual harvest to reduce impact, and limits synthetic chemical use.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Daniel Sage’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, low intervention winemaking, and estate bottling reflect a positive environmental approach. The scale is small, with attention to minimizing chemical inputs and preserving soil health. Transport emissions are moderate given export to international markets but mitigated somewhat by small batch shipments.