What do we mean by “bistro” wine? Quite simply it is the type of wine that you can find in any decent bistro, aka humble French restaurant or café, and that serves the purpose of... Read More

What do we mean by “bistro” wine? Quite simply it is the type of wine that you can find in any decent bistro, aka humble French restaurant or café, and that serves the purpose of pairing well with a range of classic dishes. Cabernet Franc from the Loire has been a go to Bistro wine for decades now, both in France and in French styled spots around the globe, and the village of Bourgueil leads the way in producing said wines.

One of our very favorites comes from the decidedly old fashioned estate of Domaine de la Chanteleuserie. Importer Kermit Lynch has been bringing these wines to California since 1976, and although the reigns have been passed from Moïse to his son Theirry, very little has changed. Both Father and Son prefer an elegant, supple Cabernet Franc (not the tannic, rustic styles that you often encounter in bistros) but without losing the classic spice and herbs of the variety.

They make wines of power and structure for sure, and they can age.