Holiday 2020 Wine Picks: Cabernet Franc

16 Dec Holiday 2020 Wine Picks: Cabernet Franc

Interested in corking something other than a Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel or Chardonnay this Christmas? Take a look at Cabernet Franc – sure to add some zest to your winter holiday spread. 

Cab Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties from France’s Bourdeaux region. Fun fact: University of California – Davis researchers proved that Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were bred together to create Cabernet Sauvignon during the time of Christopher Columbus. In the wine world, Cab Franc is not typically viewed as a headliner. It’s typically used as a mixing grape to add unique notes to some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignons.

When I was wine tasting in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I had the opportunity to drink 100 percent Cab Franc wines made from Oregon and East Slope Washington grapes. In short, these wines are TOTALLY AWESOME!  

My favorite Cab Francs to enjoy this holiday season are sure to impress.

• Lady Hill Cab Franc – This is one of the very first Cab Francs I ever tasted and it comes from one of my very favorite wineries in Oregon. Awesome with grilled or roasted meats. Curiously, my dad, who generally does not like red wines, loves this wine too.

• ZuccardiQ Cab Franc – Whenever I’m in Argentina, I always make a tasting pilgrimage to Zuccardi because the wines are well-made and priced less than $20. Zuccardi is located near Mendoza in the Uco Valley at high altitudes (3,600-4,500 feet above sea level.). Zuccardi’s Cab Franc is one to savor because its acidity and long finish cuts through the richness of many holiday foods.

• Cougar Crest Cab Franc – I love any and all wines that come from Walla-Walla. This is no exception. I particularly enjoy the fruit notes of cherry, blackberry and blueberries. Yes blueberries…

• Mondavi Cab Franc – Mondavi has a winner on its hands with its Cab Franc. Interestingly, the winemaker has chosen to add 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon to the blend.  It has a unique taste and structure that’s sure to please.

Enjoy! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all. Mike Reiber, mreiber@axiomcom.com.