I hadn't heard of Cabernet Franc Blanc until I read your article, so I Googled it. I'll be darned, an article by Steven Kent was first on the list. Found the winery's website and I will be ordering some of his Cab Franc Blanc. I gotta try it!
Amazing, Michael! You won’t be disappointed. I tried Steven’s Cab Franc Blanc 2025 and loved it. I’m working on a full write up on the winery’s Cabernet Francs!
Well done great article . As a winemaker who started his carrier in the Loire in the 70's and 80's - I used to travel extensively in the area . Agree totally on the subject of oak . This is a Bordeaux aberration and was not part of any particular focus in the Loire . Not that they did not use barrels and had cooperages - but these were containers from the past and not for imparting oak flavour
Hi Jonathan - thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I love that you started your career working in the Loire. Any particular domaine or vigneron from that time leave a lasting imprint for your work? That’s an important point that some Loire domaines use barrels, but they are often larger and/or older and are more to help with tannin polymerization than anything else. I think most Loire producers simply prefer to highlight the fruit character in Cabernet Franc. Thank you again for reading and the kind support.
I like Cab Franc very much, but I don’t love it, as I do Cru Beaujolais. However I always enjoy reading your posts, as your focussed passion shines through. In England, this is the time of the year when we remove yellowed foliage on our greenhouse tomato plants. After doing this, our hands smell so vividly of Cab Franc!
Thank you for reading, supporting and taking time to comment! I’m happy to hear you like Cabernet Franc — that’s a great start! 😊 Perhaps one day we’ll find a Cabernet Franc you love as much as Cru Beaujolais. I hope you enjoyed the unseasonably warm summer there in England. No doubt it would’ve been great for the tomatoes! Thank you again for reading and your support. Your comment has made my day!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Toby! I was actually in the Finger Lakes this spring but I didn’t get to Fulkerson. I will have to visit them next time. Thank you for the recommendation!
Sounds like a fantastic sojourn! A local restaurant here in New Mexico surprisingly had Clau de Nell Cab Franc on their wine list -- at closeout pricing no less! I didn't take notice the vintage, but I thought it was wonderful. I read that temperatures in Saumur this summer topped 105F! I was shocked. Cheers!
It was a wonderful summer, Michael, even though it was uncomfortably hot at times! Clau de Nell has been appearing more frequently in export markets, which I’m pleased to see. Their wines mature beautifully, so I have no doubt you enjoyed something delicious. Thank you for reading and all of your continued support. 😊
I can’t wait to read your reports. I don’t get to the Loire often enough, but seeing it through your eyes (and tastebuds!) is the next best thing!
Thank you, Steven! I’m excited for your trip next spring. No doubt you’ll return with plenty of inspiration!
I hadn't heard of Cabernet Franc Blanc until I read your article, so I Googled it. I'll be darned, an article by Steven Kent was first on the list. Found the winery's website and I will be ordering some of his Cab Franc Blanc. I gotta try it!
Amazing, Michael! You won’t be disappointed. I tried Steven’s Cab Franc Blanc 2025 and loved it. I’m working on a full write up on the winery’s Cabernet Francs!
Well done great article . As a winemaker who started his carrier in the Loire in the 70's and 80's - I used to travel extensively in the area . Agree totally on the subject of oak . This is a Bordeaux aberration and was not part of any particular focus in the Loire . Not that they did not use barrels and had cooperages - but these were containers from the past and not for imparting oak flavour
Hi Jonathan - thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I love that you started your career working in the Loire. Any particular domaine or vigneron from that time leave a lasting imprint for your work? That’s an important point that some Loire domaines use barrels, but they are often larger and/or older and are more to help with tannin polymerization than anything else. I think most Loire producers simply prefer to highlight the fruit character in Cabernet Franc. Thank you again for reading and the kind support.
I like Cab Franc very much, but I don’t love it, as I do Cru Beaujolais. However I always enjoy reading your posts, as your focussed passion shines through. In England, this is the time of the year when we remove yellowed foliage on our greenhouse tomato plants. After doing this, our hands smell so vividly of Cab Franc!
Thank you for reading, supporting and taking time to comment! I’m happy to hear you like Cabernet Franc — that’s a great start! 😊 Perhaps one day we’ll find a Cabernet Franc you love as much as Cru Beaujolais. I hope you enjoyed the unseasonably warm summer there in England. No doubt it would’ve been great for the tomatoes! Thank you again for reading and your support. Your comment has made my day!
Come to the Finger Lakes. Fulkerson makes a nice Cab Franc
Thanks for reading and commenting, Toby! I was actually in the Finger Lakes this spring but I didn’t get to Fulkerson. I will have to visit them next time. Thank you for the recommendation!
Sounds like a fantastic sojourn! A local restaurant here in New Mexico surprisingly had Clau de Nell Cab Franc on their wine list -- at closeout pricing no less! I didn't take notice the vintage, but I thought it was wonderful. I read that temperatures in Saumur this summer topped 105F! I was shocked. Cheers!
It was a wonderful summer, Michael, even though it was uncomfortably hot at times! Clau de Nell has been appearing more frequently in export markets, which I’m pleased to see. Their wines mature beautifully, so I have no doubt you enjoyed something delicious. Thank you for reading and all of your continued support. 😊