FRANCOIS BLANCHARD "Perrontonic" Cabernet Franc 2021

François Blanchard is a fifth-generation vigneron at Château du Perron in Lémeré. After years touring France as a jazz musician, he returned home and made his first vintage in 2003. He farms just four hectares organically, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity—much of the surrounding land remains wild, tended with horses and planted with vegetables and fruit trees.

Perrontonic comes from young Cabernet Franc vines (planted less than a decade ago) in the Parc du Perron parcel, where clay, limestone, and aeolian sands meet. The grapes are fermented whole-cluster for three weeks, then the wine rests in tank for a year before bottling. Minimal intervention, maximal personality—true “Boisson Vivante.”

In the glass it shows vibrant red fruit (raspberry, red currant, and a touch of pomegranate) layered with earthy depth, leafy spice, and that classic Cabernet Franc savory-vegetal lift. Light spring florals and a clean mineral thread run through the mid-palate, finishing with good length and freshness. At around 13% ABV it stays lithe and drinkable while still carrying real texture and energy.

A rare, limited natural expression of Loire Cabernet Franc—elegant yet alive, with the kind of raw, intuitive character that only comes from a winemaker who follows the vintage rather than a recipe. Excellent with charcuterie, roasted root vegetables, herb-roasted chicken, or simply on its own when you want something thoughtful and unforced.