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What is this Cabernet Franc, after
all?
Cabernet Franc as its own wine is new to
many American palates, but it actually is a reintroduction of
a varietal the French have known for a long time, indeed.
Cabernet Franc was the mainstay of Bordeaux until Cabernet Sauvignon
was introduced in the 18th century. Widely planted there,
most visibly in Pomerol and St. Emillion where it is known
as
“Bouchet”, the Franc is a close relative of the Cabernet Sauvignon
and is a larger, juicier grape. The soft, fruit flavors
of the Cabernet Franc are less tannic and somewhat lighter
than
the Cabernet Sauvignon. In France, the delicious qualities
of the Franc are perhaps most readily apparent in the Chinon
and
Bourgueil wines made in the Touraine section of the Loire, where
the Cabernet Franc is the quality red grape.
Until very recently in the United States,
Cabernet Franc was commonly known as a blending component
for
other red wines, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and now the Meritage
labels. As its own varietal, Cabernet Franc is presently
in the same place the Merlot wines found themselves about
15-20
years ago: new, surprising to the general public, and
therefore categorized as “different.” Many people who
prefer red wines are pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors
of the Cabernet Franc and its relatively light tannins, making
it a very pleasant varietal that accompanies an array of
foods
from game hens to roast duckling or lamb to lighter beef dishes.
At Cooper-Garrod Vineyards, our Cabernet
Franc vines date back to the original stock brought to our “Chaine
d’Or” region by French settler and grape expert Pierre
C. Pourroy.
The Pourroy property later became Congress Springs Winery,
as it was known until recent changes of ownership. Cuttings
for our vines came from Congress Springs and were planted
13
years ago. Of 21 vineyard acres on our property, 5 are
planted in Cabernet Franc. The Franc is a vigorous producer
that requires bunch thinning so the vines are not overly
stressed
during the long growing season in which they thrive.
Try our current
release, and you, too,
will understand why we feel fortunate to be among the handful
of producers bottling a Cabernet Franc in its own right.
It’s delicious!
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