Tired of choking down the latest teeth-staining, blockbuster red in triple digit temps? Then chill out with this sublimely supple Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. We first tasted this organically produced red wine while sitting at the oyster bejeweled bar of Brooklyn's Marlowe & Sons on one of the steamiest days of the summer. Sure there were some roses on the list, but we were intrigued by a section titled: Chilled Reds.

Uncorked, poured, and tasted - the wine was a hit. Don't be alarmed when you see its luminously pale, ruby hued color - this Cabernet Franc has plenty of complexity hidden in plain sight. With aromas that veer towards strawberry and dried flowers, supple cherry and spice flavors round things out nicely. A slight chill punches up the flavors and makes this our favorite red for quaffing with root veggie salads or merguez from the grill.