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Wine Details
Price:
$15.00 per bottle
Description:
Cabernet Franc, like Merlot, has traditionally been a part of the blend used to create Bordeaux red wines. The climate in Virginia seems agreeable to this grape variety and many notable vintages have been produced. The increasing popularity of this wine is helping to boost the reputation of premium wine producers in Virginia. Recent DNA research had determined that Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white) are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As a separate varietal it is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, but has less acidity and a lighter body. The typical flavors found in our Cab Franc are blackberry, currant and spice with chocolate and leather notes. It is highly structured with an intriguing complexity of taste sensations due to the tannins and overall balance.
Our Cab Franc has been barrel aged and can be cellared for extended aging or enjoyed today. This is a special wine to serve with grilled meats, beef, poultry, game, lamb, veal, pork, pasta with red sauces and hard and savory cheeses.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Franc:
Cabernet Franc is an accessible, spicy, herbal, dark blue grape variety that is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the French refer to Cabernets, which could mean either of the two grapes. Its typical aromas include an herbaceous and pronounced peppery nose, even in ripe fruit, and something eerily like tobacco. The Cabernet Franc ripens at an earlier stage, which gives it reason to exist in the Bordeaux area. In the Loire, where we find it a lot, it gives a clear red fresh and fruity wine.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon Blanc is widely grown in California — at over 15,000 acres, it’s now the third most planted variety — and often assumes the moniker ‘Fume Blanc’. This popular synonym, credited to Napa’s Robert Mondavi, derives from the grape’s historic home of Pouilly in France’s Upper Loire Valley, where Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant varietal and goes locally by the name of ‘Blanc Fumé’. When treated with respect and afforded suitable growing conditions, Sauvignon Blanc is one of the wine world’s darlings. Steely, racy acidity, green, gooseberry fruit, asparagus and a grassy, herbaceous character characterize dry wines made from this grape.
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