Cabernet
Franc is one of the world’s most significant red wine grapes. Cabernet Franc is
usually associated with Bordeaux where it is commonly blended with Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot. However, it is not
unusual to find Cabernet Franc vinified alone as it is in the Lorie Valley
where it produces the wines of Chinon. Thanks
to DNA testing we know that Cabernet Franc along with Sauvignon Blanc are the
parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet
Franc has many similarities with Cabernet Sauvignon, but in general it is
softer and less tannic than its offspring.
In
the vineyard Cabernet Franc starts its spring growth a week to ten days earlier
than Cabernet Sauvignon. Correspondingly,
in the fall, Cabernet Franc matures earlier and it is frequently planted in
sites where Cabernet Sauvignon will not fully ripen. As a result, Cabernet Franc is often
considered a ‘fall back’ or ‘insurance’ variety. Since the intention is often to grow Cabernet
Sauvignon in the first place, Cabernet Franc is frequently produced in a style where
extract and depth are key components to imitate Cabernet Sauvignon. Producers in the Loire Valley style place
more of an emphasis on youthful charm and bright fruit and this is the type of
wine we aspire to produce from Cabernet Franc.
We manage the tannins and the resulting wine is succulent and flavorful;
free of drying astringency.
