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what's in your glass: Cabernet Franc

One of my favourite red grapes, Cabernet Franc, is usually overshadowed by their "bigger and bolder" friends (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and is considered mostly a blending grape. Fun fact, Cabernet Franc is actually one the "parents" of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, so its importance to the world of wine is actually a lot more significant than it gets credit for.  However over the past decade, give or take a handful of years, it has become one of the most planted grapes within Canada.  Cabernet Franc thrives in Canada's shorter growing season and extreme cool climate due to it being an early ripening grape. This also allows for its full expression to unfold in the glass vintage after vintage. Although it is seen as one of Canada's shinning stars, Cabernet Franc has had a long history in France, dating back to the 17th Century, as a varietal expression in Chinon (Loire Valley) and a part of the famous Bordeaux blend. 

Hallmarks of Cabernet Franc include green bell pepper/jalapeños (AKA pyrazines), black/red berries, elevated acidity, and an overall easy drinking mouthfeel. However climate plays a major part in the final product, changing not only the characteristics of the fruit but also the overall body and structure. 


With a Cool Climate Cabernet Franc a more tart/unripe fruit quality is achieved and I find a stronger presence of fresh green bell pepper/jalapeños and herbs. Also the wine is usually more earth forward with lower tannins, a lighter body, and a higher perceived acidity. Whereas a Warmer Climate Cabernet Franc has a riper fruit quality and more of a roasted green bell pepper/jalapeños note. These wines are more fruit forward and usually have a stronger oak influence. With warmer climates riper grapes are grown, therefore the wine typically has higher alcohol and a fuller body. 

Now let's put those hallmarks to the test. I picked up three bottles of Cabernet Franc, two single variety and one blend, to taste different examples from within the Niagara Peninsula.


🍷 2019 Trius Cabernet Franc
👃/👄 Ripe. Currant, Blackberry, Raspberry, Subtle Green Pepper, Baking Spice, Chocolate.
🏠 Dry. Medium Body and Tannin. Medium Plus Acidity.
🍇 Multiple Vineyards, Aged in French and American Oak

🍷 2018 Thirty Bench Winemakers Blend 
👃/👄 Oak Forward. Vanilla, Cocoa, Cigar, Roasted Bell Pepper, Blackberry, Cherry, Plum.
🏠 Dry. Medium (+) Acidity, Tannin, and Alcohol. Full Bodied.
🍇 Beamsville Bench, Grapes Vinified Separately, Aged 1 Year in French/American Oak 

🍷  2017 Peller Estates Private Reserve Cabernet Franc
👃/👄 Tart. Blackberry, Black Cherry, Pepper, Sweet Tobacco.
🏠 Dry. Easy Drinking. Medium Body. Medium (+) Acidity.
🍇 Multiple Vineyards, Aged 12 Months in French and American Oak

Let's Taste Legend
🍷 Wine / 👃 Olfactory / 👄 Palate / 🏠 Structure / 🍇 Winemaking 

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