This interesting cabernet franc is raised on the hilltop of Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg in Loire’s Anjou-Saumur region. The wine is produced by Caves des Vignerons de Saumur, which is a co-op of more than three hundred growers and vintners. Bottles and barrels of wine are stored in endless underground caves, which are the result of limestone being quarried to build various Château in the area.

Pétrus is on a hilltop also named Pétrus. The 28-acre estate is a plateau in eastern Pomerol next door to Saint-Émilion. The soil is unique, with topsoil of clay and a subsoil of impenetrable blue clay that never erodes. In the wine, this clay is responsible for generous but soft tannins.

This is a great choice to have around over the holiday season for its flavour profile, versatility, and medium price-point. I tasted the Rully over a three-day period.