Many readers familiar with Cabernet Franc usually think of this medium bodied red wine as a seasoning of sorts in a spice rack. It is used in small percentages in some of the best blended wines of Bordeaux. Even though used in small percentages, Cabernet Franc is essential in softening tannins and adding aromatics and flavor nuances to Bordeaux and Bordeaux styled wines.

Here in Virginia, Cabernet Franc is a common red wine grape variety amongst growers and producers, and appears the best suited red wine grape for the state. The fact that Cabernet Franc ripens early and is adaptable to cooler climates makes Cabernet Franc attractive to East Coast wine producing regions.

Cabernet Franc is sold mainly as a varietal wine here in Virginia. On its own, Cabernet Franc lacks the color, acidity and body of its offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon, but still provides for a pleasant drinking experience. Nice examples of Cabernet Franc display a distinct raspberry and violet bouquet, and are fruit filled with nuances of herbs and spice backed by supple tannins. Where Cabernet Sauvignon can be described as the King of the European Reds, Cabernet Franc is the tasteful Prince who has won many a local palate over.

Occasionally, local winemakers will blend small amounts of Petit Verdot, Tannat, Merlot or Chambourcin with Cabernet Franc to add color, complexity, aroma, and tanninic structure to the wine. These bottles will still be sold as Cabernet Franc, meaning that at least 75% of the blend has to consist of Cabernet Franc. Due to this trend, styles of Cabernet Franc here in Virginia can range from fun and fruit filled, to a more structured and fuller bodied wine with delectable tannins that can match well with lamb, veal and some red meat dishes.

In Virginia, Cabernet Franc is also the principal grape in many Meritage blends offered. It is also used to soften and add flavor nuances to local Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other hardy reds varietal wines. The grape variety can also be found in the vinification of local Rosé and Late Harvest styled dessert wines. In other words, Cabernet Franc is as ubiquitous as the sun in these parts.

My WineLog has recently been updated with several Cabernet Franc examples from various wine producing regions that I used when hosting a blind Cabernet Franc tasting. Feel free to check here to see what other local tasters thought of Cabernet Franc examples from Loire Valley, California, Washington State, Finger Lakes, etc. You will be pleasantly surprised to see which regions scored high amongst the Virginia palates, and which were just okay.

There are also a great number of Cabernet Franc varietal wines and blends that contain accompanying notes that are available for purchase here on WineLog. Some Virginia Cabernet Franc varietal wines include:

• Veritas Cabernet Franc 2004
• Keswick Vineyards Norton 2005
• Les Vents d’Anges Rives Red
• Waterford Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2002

In closing, Cabernet Franc is also very food friendly, so try a bottle with that left over Thanksgiving Day dinner most of you, including myself, will be nursing over the next few days. If you have a favorite producer or region for Cabernet Franc, drop me an email or leave a comment with your findings. Dezel is always looking for a new Cabernet Franc to try.

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend, and until next time …

Happy Sipping!

Dezel