L'Outsider Cabernet Franc by Sainte Marie aux Mines is a bright, vibrant French red that highlights one of the most exciting and underappreciated grapes in the country: Cabernet Franc, the parent variety of Cabernet Sauvignon. While Cabernet Franc has long played a supporting role in Bordeaux blends, it shines brightest as a standalone variety in the Loire Valley and beyond — producing wines of extraordinary aromatic lift and cool-climate freshness. The name "L'Outsider" reflects the project's mission: to spotlight a grape that deserves far more attention than it gets. The nose opens with fresh raspberry, red cherry, dried herbs, sweet bell pepper, and a wisp of pencil lead. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with lifted acidity, juicy red fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a clean savory finish that begs for food. A genuinely versatile, food-friendly red that drinks beautifully young. Pair it with roast pork, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, lamb, or tomato-based pastas where its herbal lift shines through. Smart, expressive, and worth the conversation it'll start.