Great article! But where can I find Blanc de noir CF?? That sounds amazing. I am a fan of the “green” in CF. When well made, I agree with you thats a feature, not a flaw. I’m getting a bit tired of the overtly manufactured ones. Thank you for the great information! Cheers.
Hi Carl - thanks for reading! The Finger Lakes has a blanc de noir sparkling from Sheldrake Point, and Bedell Cellars on Long Island has its own expression of white Cabernet franc which I love. Two great examples
I work with Cab Franc from the warmer Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The 'green' never really goes away, but does transform in the typical season in/around 25 brix. I know, I'm freaking people out with that, but as much a many CA buyers say they like Cab Franc, they don't like green notes at 23 brix, the grapes just need to hang longer (we would hang them longer, but our weather doesn't make it so, except in the cool years). The other thing, there's never any downside to adding a little Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to Cab Franc and a little new French oak doesn't hurt either. I want a complete wine, not a one note wonder. It some years it can work, long hang time in cooler weather can do it, but we just don't get that where I'm from.
Great piece btw. I enjoyed the stroll down Cab Franc Boulevard.
Thank you, David, for reading and taking a moment to comment! If there’s anything I’ve learned during this intimate journey with the variety is it can take many forms and its journey from vineyard to bottle is a complex one to say the least. I look forward to tasting your Cabernet Franc on a future visit to California. Thank you for doing the work to do to preserve the best of the grape from your sites.
Such a well-conceived and beautifully written article! Kudos, Allison. I recently received some 2025 Willamette Valley Oregon Rosé made from 100% Cab Franc (Martin Woods Eola Springs Vineyard 2025). Looking forward to tasting it in a couple of weeks. I'm also looking forward to catching up reading your last 2 chronicles. Cheers!
Hi Michael- thank you for reading and your comment! Sorry for the late reply. It slipped through the cracks! I am seeing more Cab Franc from Oregon these days, which makes me happy. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the rosé when you get around to tasting it. As always, thank you for subscribing and for your support. 😊
Allison, I enjoyed this piece very much…partly because it is so clearly and thoughtfully articulated, and partly because it agrees almost completely with my own sense as to why Cab Franc is such a profoundly beautiful wine…delicious…food friendly…and sexy as hell!
Thank you, Steven! I’m so glad that it struck a chord with you. I know you think deeply about Cabernet Franc in so many facets of your own work, so i love that many of my words resonated. Thank you for your passion and support!
You’ve captured the true spirit of Cab Franc - its diversity of expression (including those wonderful “green” notes. Great read!
Thank you, Lauren! The green truly is where the magic is. ☺️
Great article! But where can I find Blanc de noir CF?? That sounds amazing. I am a fan of the “green” in CF. When well made, I agree with you thats a feature, not a flaw. I’m getting a bit tired of the overtly manufactured ones. Thank you for the great information! Cheers.
Hi Carl - thanks for reading! The Finger Lakes has a blanc de noir sparkling from Sheldrake Point, and Bedell Cellars on Long Island has its own expression of white Cabernet franc which I love. Two great examples
Thank you!! I appreciate the recommendations. I may just start with a still one to get a feel for the expression. Have a great evening.
My pleasure! I just remembered that Keuka Springs also makes a white Cabernet Franc (still not sparkling) that’s worth a try.
Cool! I love having options. My shop just let me know they can get a Clau de Nell too. 😎
Oh, fantastic! That is a delicious one. 🤩
I work with Cab Franc from the warmer Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. The 'green' never really goes away, but does transform in the typical season in/around 25 brix. I know, I'm freaking people out with that, but as much a many CA buyers say they like Cab Franc, they don't like green notes at 23 brix, the grapes just need to hang longer (we would hang them longer, but our weather doesn't make it so, except in the cool years). The other thing, there's never any downside to adding a little Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to Cab Franc and a little new French oak doesn't hurt either. I want a complete wine, not a one note wonder. It some years it can work, long hang time in cooler weather can do it, but we just don't get that where I'm from.
Great piece btw. I enjoyed the stroll down Cab Franc Boulevard.
Thank you, David, for reading and taking a moment to comment! If there’s anything I’ve learned during this intimate journey with the variety is it can take many forms and its journey from vineyard to bottle is a complex one to say the least. I look forward to tasting your Cabernet Franc on a future visit to California. Thank you for doing the work to do to preserve the best of the grape from your sites.
Such a well-conceived and beautifully written article! Kudos, Allison. I recently received some 2025 Willamette Valley Oregon Rosé made from 100% Cab Franc (Martin Woods Eola Springs Vineyard 2025). Looking forward to tasting it in a couple of weeks. I'm also looking forward to catching up reading your last 2 chronicles. Cheers!
Hi Michael- thank you for reading and your comment! Sorry for the late reply. It slipped through the cracks! I am seeing more Cab Franc from Oregon these days, which makes me happy. You’ll have to let me know what you think of the rosé when you get around to tasting it. As always, thank you for subscribing and for your support. 😊
Allison, I enjoyed this piece very much…partly because it is so clearly and thoughtfully articulated, and partly because it agrees almost completely with my own sense as to why Cab Franc is such a profoundly beautiful wine…delicious…food friendly…and sexy as hell!
Thank you, Steven! I’m so glad that it struck a chord with you. I know you think deeply about Cabernet Franc in so many facets of your own work, so i love that many of my words resonated. Thank you for your passion and support!
The most beautiful descriptions of Cabernet Franc in all its expressions! I’m so inspired to pick up rosé of cab franc this summer after reading this!
Thank you!! When you have your next cab franc rosé, let me know! I’d love to know the bottle and what your thought of it. 😊
Wonderful article, Allison, and I recognize those four bottles and remember that evening so well!!!
I thought you might recognize that picture! And, thank you! 😊
You know I could not agree more!
I know you don’t need convincing!! 🤩