02/02/05 Cabrione Franc

Welcome to Vine to Wine, this is your host Linda Moran, and on today's program we will take a look at the grape and the wines of Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Franc is a grape varietal that, although the parent of, has usually played second to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc is a grape that tolerates a cooler climate and ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. Most often it has been used as an essential element to the famous Bordeaux blend along with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, unblended although not as deeply colored as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is quite delicious. It often exhibits raspberry aromatics and is less tannic wine than Cabernet Sauvignon. It thrives in the Loire Valley of France where many of the red wines from that region are based upon Cabernet Franc. And when handled well there are those that exhibit good potential for aging. It is also widely grown in the northern part of Italy and is adapting and making very good wines on California's north coast, in Australia and Washington state where it takes on rich fruit forward characteristics. The next time you visit your local wine merchant ask for a Cabernet Franc recommendation and see what you think. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.