07/27/05 Cabernet Franc

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and on today's program we are going to explore the virtues of Cabernet Franc. During a recent wine tasting a man declared that he didn't like Cabernet Franc. When I pressed him to explain why he really had no good answer other than that I think he felt as though it was a lesser grape. Having always played second fiddle to Cabernet Sauvignon I can see how he gets that impression. In general, a wine made from Cabernet Franc will have less of fruity nose be lighter and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. But it grows in cooler locations and needs less heat to become fully ripe  so it is ideal for some vineyard sites. It is also considered an important element along with Merlot to round out the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon to make the most highly sought after Bordeaux style blends. So it has a lot going on for it. And - to most people's surprise it is the grape varietal primarily focused upon in France's famous St- Emilion and many of the middle Loir valley wines. Most recently many of the new world producers are making it into wines that also feature it as the primary varietal accented with just a bit of Merlot and or Cabernet Sauvignon. Give these new Cabernet Franc wines a shot. Winemakers in the state of Washington are doing a very good job with this varietal, look for there wines. 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.