Traditionally seen (or unseen, because it have been) as a mixing grape, notably in its native France, Cabernet Franc is discovering extra followers as a single varietal. A father or mother grape to each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Cab Franc falls extra on the light- to medium-bodied finish of the spectrum, with flavors starting from juicy, ripe berries to earthy, vegetal notes. And although the majority of single-varietal bottles are nonetheless coming from France, Cab Franc is discovering favor with winemakers all around the world, notably the U.S. Listed here are six bottles excellent for sipping as summer season turns to fall.
Domaine de l’Enchantoir Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame “Le Pied a L’Etrier”
The Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation within the Loire Valley is notable for its larger elevations and strong lime-stone base with chalky high soils, leading to wealthy and complicated Cab Francs. At Domaine de l’Enchantoir, the Brunet household ferments and ages their natural Cab Franc with indigenous yeast in cement vessels, and Le Pied a L’Etrier exhibits softer tannins for a velvety wine with extra vegetal, savory notes of inexperienced peppers and olives. $23.99, wine.com
Leah Jørgensen Cabernet Franc “Flagship Pink Wine”
Winemaker Leah Jørgensen translated her love of the Loire Valley to her vineyard in Newberg, Oregon. Guided by private ardour (she usually sings opera to her barrels), Jørgensen is among the solely Oregon winemakers working solely with Cabernet Franc, which she sources from licensed LIVE vineyards in southern Oregon’s Rogue and Applegate valleys. Her Flagship Pink Cab Franc carries aromas of violet and moist stone, with the brilliant taste of tart berries and earthy black tea. $25, leahjorgensencellars.com
Domaine de la Chevalerie “Noms d’Oiseaux”
On the family-run Domaine de la Chevalerie within the Bourgueil appellation of the Loire Valley, the main focus is solely on Cabernet Franc, the place the farming practices on the 30- to 70-year-old vines are licensed each natural and biodynamic. The Noms d’Oiseaux is comprised of two parcels symbolic of the area and positioned on the two ends of the slope overlooking the Loire. The sunshine-bodied wine opens with earthy aromas and a trace of raspberry, adopted by vivid, tart flavors of crabapple and a smooth, barely chalky end. $23.99, see zrswines.com for distribution and availability.
Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc
Alongside California’s central coast in Santa Barbara County, the marine-based soils and micro climates are nicely suited to the indigenous varietals of the Loire Valley, which is exactly the specialty of vineyard Lieu Dit, based in 2011. Their single-varietal Cab Franc from the east aspect of the Santa Ynez Valley is fermented in complete clusters and aged in impartial oak. A whiff of cola spices adopted by flavors of candy cherry jam is carried by a velvety construction, whereas a snap of acidity lends steadiness. $30, lieuditwinery.com
Mosse Cabernet Franc
Based by companions Agnès and René Mosse and now run by their sons Joseph and Sylvestre, the Mosse vineyard is in Loire’s Anjou appellation. Nonetheless, the household determined in 2016 to deliberately eschew the AOC and as a substitute label their wines merely “Vin de France” to enable extra freedom and experimentation. Lately, the sons additionally eliminated the vineyards’ different varietals to focus solely on Cabernet Franc. The wine is redolent with the candy scent of ripe raspberries, with tart, juicy flavors up entrance and gently bitter tannins offering construction. $26.99, brwine.com
Ravines Cabernet Franc
In New York’s Finger Lakes AVA, Morten and Lisa Hallgren of Ravines Wine Cellars work with solely estate-grown grapes, farming greater than 100 acres within the ravines that encompass Keuka and Seneca lakes, the place the steep slopes drain each water and chilly air from the vines. Their ensuing Cabernet Franc is lush with juicy pink berries and fruit, balanced by earthy spices and structured with a fuller physique and agency tannins. $22.95, ravineswine.com
