Cabernet Franc is a black-skinned French wine grape variety grown in most wine-producing nations. The variety is most famously known as the third grape of Bordeaux and can be found in many of the world's top Bordeaux Blend wines. It most commonly appears in blended red wines, where it adds herbaceous accents of tobacco and dark spice.
Its varietal wines are light to medium bodied and often show vegetal characteristics, in particular green bell peppers. This has led many wine drinkers to incorrectly identify Cabernet Franc as unripe Cabernet Sauvignon, or even Carmenère.
Cabernet Franc is commonly compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which is not without justification. Along with Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Franc is a parent of Cab Sav. (Recent DNA profiling has also shown that Cabernet Franc is also one of Merlot's parents.) However, Cabernet Franc ripens at least a week earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. While it has thinner skin and lower acidity, it is also known for its hardiness and often grown as an "insurance" grape.
We will taste:
Cosentino THE Franc 2019, Napa, California — Cosentino Winery is renowned for creating the first designated and licensed Meritage wine, Bordeaux inspired blend that set the standard that others would follow in Napa Valley. The winery made its first wines with its inaugural vintage released in 1981. In 1989, it released “The Poet”, one of America’s first designated and licensed Meritage wines. The THE Series was introduced shorty after with THE Zin, showcasing the best grapes from the Lodi AVA and paving the way for THE Series of wines. THE Series is now Cosentino's largest volume collection of wine from the Lodi AVA. This Cab Franc has bold maroon hues, which hint at the wine’s intensity. Scents of vanilla, cedar and dried herbs rise from the glass. The palate is layered with flavors of black cherry, currant and baking chocolate with hints of cracked black pepper leading to the supple finish. Pair this wine with just about anything off the BBQ; for an elegant touch, try with roast duck with juniper berry compote. $19.99/$7
Brady Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019, Paso Robles, California — Acclaimed winemaker Don Brady, whose wines have garnered praise from Texas to California, oversees production of the big and bold red wines that have become the hallmark of California’s central coast. Nestled in the Estrella Valley, Brady Vineyard is just far enough inland from the Pacific Ocean to build heat daily, but still close enough to enjoy the nightly cooling of maritime breezes. Established in 2001, the 24-acre site is ideally situated for world-class viticulture, This Cab Franc is deep scarlet color and aromas reminiscent of black cherry and plum with subtle notes of vanilla and cedar. On tasting, it shows opulent texture, gentle acidity, and savory berry flavors with a hint of velvety oak that lengthens the finish. $26.99/$9
Achaval Ferrer Cabernet Franc 2017, Mendoza, Argentina — Achaval Ferrer uses a low-intervention approach in both their vineyards and winery. The vines are low-performing with deep roots, resulting in extremely low yields. There is almost no temperature control during the fermentation, nor is there any filtering of the wines before they are bottled. Cabernet Franc has found a home of its own in Argentina. The great sun exposure combined with the cool mountain breeze allows this grape variety to ripen harmoniously providing a full pallet of aromas and flavors: from black fruit to the freshness of the tomato leaf and rosemary. Regularly $37, now $32/$11
Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance). St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs.
See y’all on Friday!