Some people choose their wine on how the label looks. Others, claim that the packaging has nothing to do with their selection. I’m on the fence. I don’t choose a wine strictly because it looks pretty and I don’t refuse to try it because it looks unappealing, however I think there is something to be said for how a bottle strikes you visually. Especially if you’re like me, a visual person. Because quite frankly, I can’t tell just by looking at the bottle if it’s got “a great personality”, something has to lure me in.

Depicted on the wine label here is a bird with music notes streaming above it. Done in a deep burgundy and gold, I find this label appealing, a bit rustic and old fashioned looking, but in a good way. Domaine de la Chanteleuserie means “place where the larks sing,” hence the singing bird on the front. The domaine is perched on a limestone plateau in an idyllic landscape in the heart of Touraine. The vineyards enjoy full southern exposure helping to ripen the Cabernet Franc grapes. This is the land of Cabernet Franc, better known locally as “Breton.” Though it’s known often as a blending grape in Bordeaux, it has the ability to shine nicely on it’s own in the Loire.

The Chanteleuserie gives off a lovely aroma of earthy brambles and black fruits. It’s an excellent value and really over delivers for the price. A bit rustic but full-flavored and rich.

This wine transports me. I feel I should be drinking it in a rustic lodge by a fire with some roasted pheasant during a blizzard. As it is, this wine would pair beautifully with almost any roasted game birds and a roaring fire. If you can’t make it happen for real, the wine can at least help you visualize it!