Domaine Baudry-Dutour, Chinon Rouge “Amaranthe”

You know those orange flashlights that airport workers use to direct planes into their parking spaces? I want a set of those so I can wave you all in the direction of this delicious, affordable, pitch-perfect Chinon from Baudry-Dutour.Yes, this is one of “those” wines: The wine that manages to stand out on a table-full of fancier competition; the wine that leaves you feeling energized rather than ready for a nap; the wine the cool-kid sommeliers would call “crushable.” I was asked recently to comment on trends I’ve been seeing in the wine market, and there’s no doubt that bright, crunchy, often un-oaked reds are undoubtedly “a thing.” We’ve seen it with the international sensation that is Cru Beaujolais, and this Cabernet Franc from Chinon is in every way a kindred spirit. Because there are many wines from Chinon that strive for more Bordeaux-like dimensions, getting my message across about wines like “Amaranthe” is more difficult than when a Cru Beaujolais is on offer. So, let me repe