Aug 04 2009
Cabernet Francophile – 2006 Walla Walla Cabernet Franc Review
by Maggie Smith
It’s great to introduce people to adventurous and exciting grape types like Cabernet Franc. If you’re not familiar with this varietal, it is one of the common blending grapes in Bordeaux, mostly used on the right banks of Pomerol and Saint Emilion. The Loire Valley also grows this grape (most commonly seen as “Chinon” on the label.)
Wherever it’s grown, Cab Franc will take on a different form, which is why it’s a fun journey trying Cab Francs from different parts of the world. Cab Franc is known to be a very aromatic grape type that exudes floral and herbaceous characteristics, which make it a very inviting wine when it’s done right. I really don’t want to talk about what happens when it’s done wrong (think green peppers plus harsh tannin).
The Walla Walla Cab Franc, from Columbia Valley, makes for a wonderful introduction to this varietal. It has a mix of black cherry, black currant, hints of blue fruits, violets, dried herbs and cigar smoke that this grape type is known for. It has a very lush texture, with silky tannins and is the perfect “gateway wine” into this grape type, which can take on many different forms once explored. It’s lighter then Cabernet Sauvignon… and, in fact, is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s genetic parents! This wine would be awesome with braised short ribs or grilled pork tenderloin.
Hi Maggie – short but to the point thoughts on Cab Franc. I love grape varietals which are not necessarily know by the masses. A French country wine class taken so many year ago opened my eyes to it. I’ll stop by for your suggestions on which bottle to bring home. I’m partial to the French Francs, but if there’s a new work franc in an old world style, I’ll certainly try it. Thanks!
Hi Maggie – short but to the point thoughts on Cab Franc. I love grape varietals which are not necessarily know by the masses. A French country wine class taken so many year ago opened my eyes to it. I’ll stop by for your suggestions on which bottle to bring home. I’m partial to the French Francs, but if there’s a new world franc in an old world style, I’ll certainly try it. Thanks!
Walla Walla Cab Franc? That’s pretty generic, besides there is plenty of Cab Franc made in Walla Walla. You mean – - Walla Walla VINTNER’s Cab Franc? Walla Walla VINTNERS is the name of a winery. Walla Walla Cab Franc grows at several vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley.
And yes – - Walla Walla VINTNERS is an excellent winery and produces one of the finest Cab Francs in the Walla Walla Valley.
Catie,
You are correct; it’s the Walla Walla Vintners Cab Franc to which Maggie is referring. We very much enjoy Walla Walla Vintners in the store; in fact, they were featured in our recent Pacific Northwest wines class. Excellent example of Walla Walla Cab Franc
- Brett