Tag Archives: cabernet franc

A Tale of Two Valleys: Comparing Old World & New World for Cabernet Franc Day

Posted on by
Reply

Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Hip hip hooray, it’s Cabernet Franc Day! If you haven’t climbed aboard the Cab Francophile train yet, it’s time to do so. Especially YOU, you Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers who want a red wine that pairs with more than just steak! Prepare to have your mind blown, world rocked, and palate converted. 🙂

Not too long ago, my kids and I listened to an abridged version of one of my favorite novels, A Tale of Two Cities. I understand they were trying to make it shorter to introduce it to kids, but oh, the misery of listening to a butchered-up book. It takes away SO MUCH. I couldn’t take it, and my kids didn’t really take to it, either.

In my imagination, when comparing an Old World and a New World wine, I get into this two-part, back and forth, sing-song contrasting that reminds me of the beginning of the book: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….”

Except in this case, the wines under scrutiny are more like vastly different and yet subtly similar siblings. It was the Loire Valley, it was the Yakima Valley….

Grapevine at Elks Temple

I couldn’t find pics of the wine labels on my computer (getting over a cold), so here is a pic I took of a grapevine painting adorning the walls of McMenamin’s Elks Temple Hotel in Forest Grove, OR. 🙂

I’ve got two very different and distinct Cabernet Francs I’d love for you to try – open and taste side by side, if you can. The first is Old World and hails from France’s Loire Valley. It’s essentially the signature red wine grape of the region, standing out amidst the whitewashed sea of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. It is not to be missed!

The second is New World from Washington State’s Yakima Valley, which was the state’s very first AVA. While still being a Cabernet Franc, it’s like the wild party animal sister compared to its stately and brooding elder sibling. Either way, neither of these wines is a slacker and delivers a full Cabernet Franc experience.

The first one to try is Le Pre Vaujour Chinon. Chinon is the region of the Loire Valley known for growing Cabernet Franc. The color is paler than Cabernet Sauvignon, and in case you didn’t already know, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon. VoilĂ  ici.

Le Pre Vaujour Chinon Cabernet Franc

  • Black currant, licorice, raspberry, smoke, tea leaves, leafiness, earthy, mushroomy
  • Slightly grippy tannins
  • Medium to full body, dry
  • Moderate length/finish
  • 13% ABV
  • $22.99/bottle
  • Make sure you give this wine plenty of time to open up. I remember especially enjoying it on the second or third day of it being open. It kept revealing multiple rich flavors. The licorice notes make it very compelling and unique.

Next, please set your sights on this dazzling New World Cabernet Franc. Mazzacano Cellars is a secondary label produced by the same winemakers behind WIT Cellars (tastings rooms in Prosser and Woodinville, Washington). I was poured this wine whilst living out my fantasy (wine tasting by myself in Woodinville for the day) and even though it was not on the tasting flight, it was the wine I went home with that day. The 2019 vintage won GOLD at the Bellingham Northwest Wine Festival.

Mazzacano Cellars 2018 Cabernet Franc Olsen Vineyards Yakima Valley

  • 14.5% ABV
  • $49/bottle
  • Cabernet Franc sourced from one of my top favorite vineyards EVER in Washington State (see also Dineen Vineyards) ❀
  • Color is deep garnet/ruby
  • On the nose: cherry, tobacco, currant, and that bell pepper note to let you know it’s Cab Franc
  • Full body, luxurious mouthfeel, it’s like opening up a gift basket in your mouth: chock full of cherry, chocolate, and spice
  • Velvety tannins
  • Reverberating finish that just keeps going and going
  • Acidity is just the right amount I like in a wine
  • This is a voluptuous “Jessica Rabbit” Cabernet Franc that oozes richness and fullness.
  • From start to finish, this wine is pure love. I could drink this all day. But I won’t. 😊 Oh, so good! Must try some of their other Mazzacano wines.

So there you have it. Pick your poison – rustic, glamorous Old World or fervent, passionate New World. Each is wonderful.

What are you opening up this Cabernet Franc Day? Any favorites? Comment!

Cheers!

Christmas shopping to do?
Stun your loved ones with these Wine Gift Collections – Gifting made easy with these curated wine sets!

Taking Center Stage: Single Varietal Cabernet Franc Shines

Posted on by
Reply

In an orchestra, every musician is important and must play his part fully, but it is the principal of each instrumental section that garners the most attention and praise. Although Cabernet Franc may frequently play second fiddle to virtuoso Cabernet Sauvignon, it has been emerging lately and more frequently in starring solo performances such as this. It’s gaining credibility and standing on its own two feet.

Cabernet Franc is traditionally a blending grape used in Bordeaux blends (along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and occasionally CarmĂ©nĂšre). Because of its tartness, tight structure, and other qualities, it is not normally featured as a “soloist” in a wine or wine blend. Cabernet Sauvignon is more commonly consumed as a single varietal than Cabernet Franc. But there are some wonderful, compelling Cabernet Francs, and this, I think, is one of them.

Corvidae The Keeper 2010 Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley is a bold and precocious soloist. This wine has an interesting aroma: tobacco, floral – rose, pepper. The flavor is so big at the very end it’s almost like you literally have to chew it. It’s tart, but with a big, explosive plush mouth feel at the finish. This wine will shine at its best when paired with the right foods. In its review, it proves itself a versatile and highly competent contender with other varietals.

From the tasting notes: “Plush and velvety, full-bodied and easy drinking. The scent and flavors knock you out – spice joins black tea, fresh tobacco, thyme, sweet cedar chips, blackberries and cassis. When Cabernet Franc is made from well ripened fruit (as this wine is), it combines plush fruit and interesting accent notes with body that stands well with rich roasted and grilled meats. This deliciously large version of Cab Franc is smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, less earthy than Merlot, approachable like Aussie Syrah and spicy like a smooth Zinfandel. There’s few options to pair this wine incorrectly, but try these especially: green peppercorn roasted pork tenderloin, hearty lasagna, or braised chicken with wild mushroom ragout.”

This is a wine I would put in the “very interesting, worth trying” category. It is made by a very talented and acclaimed Washington winemaker, David O’Reilly, whose wineries are under the names O’Reilly’s and Owen Roe. You can read more about him here. The Keeper might not be for everybody, but I know many of you will enjoy it… or at least be surprised by what it can do!

So, give overlooked Cabernet Franc a fighting chance! Take a break from Cabernet Sauvignon and sit back and indulge in this dazzling, delightful Cabernet Franc.