2027 Cellars, 2019 Falls Vineyard Cabernet Franc, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Ontario, Canada
Cab Franc du Jour #26
The beginnings of this project trace back to 2007 when Kevin Panagapka made his first 100 cases as a virtual winery. The dream from the outset was to make wines that highlighted some of Niagara’s top terroirs for Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir, alongside superb traditional method sparkling wines. The 2019 is Kevin’s first Cabernet Franc, and he was clear about his intention from the start: to emulate a Loire-inspired style that puts the fruit profile front and centre.
In keeping with his terroir-focused philosophy, this is a single-vineyard wine from the Vinemount Ridge VQA sub-appellation, one of the coolest appellations in the Niagara Peninsula. The vineyards here typically sit at 180 to 200m above sea level and are the furthest removed from the moderating influence of Lake Ontario. Soils vary across the appellation, but the Falls Vineyard is characterized by heavy, silty clay that retains moisture well while also benefiting from good natural drainage on the site.
For the longest time, Kevin’s wines were available exclusively through restaurants, but since the summer of 2020 he has had a retail licence and space in Niagara, which is very good news for everyone.
Wine Details
Producer: 2027 Cellars
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
Appellation: VQA Vinemount Ridge
Vineyard: Falls Vineyard
Soils: Heavy, silty-clay
Alcohol: 12.5%