Hello my dear friends! It's Wednesday again so let's explore together another great topic about the world of wine.
Cabernet Franc Day is celebrated on December 4 each year, and we’re happy this exquisite varietal gets the spotlight for once. Cabernet Franc has lived in the shadows of the Cabernet Sauvignon for quite a long time. Surprisingly, did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon would not exist without Cabernet Franc? DNA analysis has proven that Cabernet Sauvignon was ‘born’ after accidental contamination between the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, this grape is also a parent to Merlot and Carménère. So let's dive in!
The first ever celebration of Cabernet Franc took place in 2015, but it all began in southwest France sometime in the 17th century with Cardinal Richelieu’s love for a particular blue-black grape. He loved them so much that he transported vine cuttings from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley. The berry has been growing and thriving there ever since. Today, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. To remember Richelieu’s legacy, Cabernet Franc Day is celebrated on the date of his death. Certainly without his passion for the grape, the world would be bereft of the Cabernet Franc.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot tend to dominate the blends in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is a frequent second fiddle in both Left Bank and Right Bank blends. In the Loire Valley, it is often bottled as a monovarietal wine. Here, the grape tends to create light to medium-bodied wines laden with flavours of red fruit, green bell pepper, and earthy tones. Beyond France, Cabernet Franc is finding significant footing in the United States, as well as in Argentina, Australia, and northern Italy.
The vine boasts thin, bluish-black skins that ripen very early when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc thrives in cooler climates where wines will have lighter bodies and earthier or greener notes. When grown in warmer areas, Cabernet Franc will show jammier, more fruit-driven flavours. The acidity generally goes from medium to high and tannins are present but they are yet approachable.
Pairing Cabernet Franc
Pairing Cabernet Franc is relatively easy: its notes of blackberry, wild strawberry, and occasionally plum-like fruit make it a natural complement to richer sauces, and its hint of spice works alongside dried fruit and complex spice blends. Combined with smoked, sweet and spicy meats, it's a winning combination. But don't limit this wine to accompanying meat; it also frames more vegetable flavors. It goes beautifully with a vegetarian bean chili for example; just be careful with the spiciness, as too much will upset the balance of the wine.
Try it with roasted pork, beef burgers, beef stew, lamb gyros, pâté, roasted duck, venison, or roasted or grilled lamb. It also pairs with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, brie, and blue cheese. When cooking, bear in mind that dishes seasoned with oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, red pepper flakes, black pepper, or jalapeno will pair tastefully.
Our Recommendations
Definitely go for a Monte Quieto! What makes this winery's wines so different from all those other big reds you’ve tasted from Mendoza (Argentina)? The big answer is 'Cabernet Franc'. Since its inception, Matilde Pereda y Agustín Casabal (owners) did not want to go for the so fashionable 'Malbec' that, at that time, was so popular in countries like United States. They wanted to create something different, hence they went for a less popular varietal but with lots of potential. That is how they grew Cabernet Franc and certainly mastered it!
Matilde Pereda and Agustín Casabal, owners of Monte Quieto, a family winery that has focused on Cabernet Franc since its foundation. Enhorabuena!
Go for Monte Quieto Alegre Gran Corte 100% Cabernet Franc if you are curious about the grape flavour profile. This wine shows an intense color with expressive and complex aromas, the result of the perfect terroir combination. Herbal aromas of eucalyptus, spices and green pepper are perceived on the nose. Truly declicious!
If you are more inclined to blends, try Monte Quieto Alegre Gran Corte, a very red blend of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. It is a cut full of aromas, very attractive on the nose where plums, nuts and menthol notes appear. In the mouth it stands out for its balance and excellent acidity. Medium-bodied, broad and fresh, it reflects herbaceous and spaced notes that, combined with the fruit, offer a unique complexity. Ideal to pair with haute cuisine dishes with spices and legumes, red meat, duck, pork and aromatic fusions.
The incredible Enlace.
Our third recommendation is Enlace, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Syrah but more aged than Alegre. This is a wine with lots of character, distinguished for the balanced acidity and polished tannins. Ideal for slow cooking meats, truffles or mushrooms. This is an incredibly elegant and inviting wine!
Look also into wineries such as Ventisquero and Korta, who produce interesting blends that include Cabernet Franc.
And that's a wrap for today. Enjoy Cab Franc Day and have a happy rest of the week! Let's meet again here next Wednesday! Until then... Santé!
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