What the Franc??
I have a little story for you...
One day, two wine grape varieties were in love. They were Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc… and they hugged really really closely.. and Cabernet Sauvignon was created! (My fellow Disney nerds who remember the Wonders of Life in Epcot will get that reference…)
But seriously- Let’s talk about one of my favorite wine grapes that still has a bit of mystery around it….
Cabernet Franc, as my story eludes to, is a relative of the "King of Kings" (forever and ever!) Cabernet Sauvignon. I’d say from a wine drinking perspective, It’s similar… yet different. (So helpful, I know…) Generally speaking, Cab Franc is a little bit lighter in body and tannin and can have some lovely herbaceous notes and pretty floral overlays, like violets and rose petals. Like perfume in the glass! I’ve had some that are ripe, round, and mouth coating (like the house favorite Pride Mountain Vineyards). It hugs your mouth like liquid velvet. Some Cab Francs, especially from cooler climate wine-growing regions like Virginia, New York and parts of France like the Loire, create a little bit of a lighter expression with more zesty spicy notes and brighter fruit character and acidity.
Of course I am a fan of Pride Mountain Vineyards Cab Franc-If forced to only drink one type of Pride wine for the rest of eternity, that would probably be my pick. Normally very hard to get and offered through allocation only, it’s been made available (limited quantities) on the Pride Website. One word: LUSH
Retail $75
Available here: Pride Mountain Vineyards
I also really like Lang & Reed. They have one from the North Coast of CA- I love the herbal notes of sage and rosemary- just had it yesterday… delicious and great value for the price.
Retail $27
Available here: Lang & Reed
Robert Keenan Cab Franc- They were my next door neighbors when I first moved to Napa and lived on Spring Mountain. A delicious, rich, mountain fruit version with some similarities in the mouthfeel to Pride. They were recently surrounded by fire in Glass Fire that ravaged the mountain this fall and fought the flames themselves to save the property. I’d love for you to support them.Great people, great wine.
Retail: $72
Available Here: Robert Keenan Winery
Crocker & Starr- Know as one of Napa’s great Cab Franc producers…Pam Starr is the owner/winemaker and hey have a delicious Cab Franc driven blend. Love the texture and floral notes and also a great price.
Retail: $55
Available Here: Crocker & Starr
Clearly I am partial to California Wines- It’s what I know and drink the most. There aren't any sponsorships or incentives here- just me sharing some of my favorites with all of you! There are of course many fantastic Cab Francs from around the world- especially from it’s birthplace in France. Have fun- try something new- and let me know what you loved!
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Sip Well,
Nikki