Essential Cabernet Franc

<img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-295" src="http://blog.cosentinowinery.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Red-Grapes-104CMYK1

width=”150″ height=”150″ />Cabernet Franc is essential to what I am doing and what I believe in as a winemaker. I have been making 100% Cabernet Franc since 1985, which is probably longer than most, if not all, producers in Napa Valley. The Reserve Cabernet Franc is primarily from a St. Helena vineyard that has been the mainstay since the early 1990′s and the 2007, which will be released to Wine Club Members on April 28, 2012 and then publicly the following week, is another classic vintage. It was a very long growing season without much fluctuation of weather. Cabernet Franc ripens late and I like to pick when the fruit has obtained full ripeness to reduce the natural green and grassy attributes that can be detected if harvested too early. Once harvested, the Cabernet Franc grapes were hand-sorted to extract only a volume of fruit that I feel sufficient for the small 415 case production. The lots of grapes were fermented separately and aged for 40 months in French oak cooperage, enhancing the true nature of each vineyard source and softening the tannins beautifully. Again, the extended barrel aging time serves the purpose of rounding out, evolving and

developing the dramatic spicy notes that were evident in this very ripe year and typical in this grape. From bottle to glass, the 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc displays aromas of bay leaves and ripe black fruits. The broad and complex palate envelopes notes of soft cedar, dark chocolate and clove, perfect for an evening of savory meat (lamb, duck, or game) and slow-roasted vegetables. It will also handle spicy dishes well. As this wine ages it will become more powerful over the next few years. Check out this video where I talk more about Cabernet Franc the grape and then further below check out what some of our Fans are saying about Cabernet Franc on Twitter.

LOVE IT! Prob my fav varietal, velvety; full bodied fruit – what’s not 2 like?< “@cosentinowinery: Who’s a fan of Cabernet Franc?Why?”

— D’ Vine Wine Time (@dvinewinetime) March 27, 2012

@cosentinowinery I am. I love its herb like qualities.

— molly peterson (@wineymolly) March 27, 2012

Wine Club Pick-up Party – Saturday, April 28th

Join in on the party and pick up your wine club shipment. Event will include complimentary cheese and wine pairing. We will be releasing our highly popular 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc. We will also be having a blind tasting where the winner will win a very special large format.

Date: April 28, 2012
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Price: Complimentary for Wine Club Members and up to 3 guests

This is a Wine Club Member exclusive event.

To RSVP, please contact our Wine Club Coordinator, Jenna Kunde, at (707) 921-2898 or via email at jkunde@cosentinowinery.com.