Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Know Your Oregon Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc: The 'little', hardier brother of Cabernet Sauvignon, this grape also comes from France's Bordeaux region. It can withstand much cooler temperatures and is sometimes planted as an 'insurance policy' against Cab Sauv losses. This varietal is often very dry and austere, with a unique and complex bouquet. O There are some very fine examples of pure Cabernet Franc from France's Saumur region as well as Southern Oregon. Typically somewhat spicy in aroma and often reminiscent of plums and especially violets, Cabernet franc is more often used as a secondary or tertiary element in varietally-blended red wines, instead of as a stand-alone varietal bottling.

Some Oregon vineyards that grow this wine: Devitt Winery
and  Spangler Vineyards and there are MANY more in the Umpqua, Elkton, and Southern Oregon AVAs. As a stand alone, one of the best I have had among the best is the  RoxyAnn '09 .

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