Celebrating #CabFrancDay #Wine

How Are You Celebrating Cabernet Franc Day?

Dracaena Wines has been very instrumental in having a day set aside to honor this grape varietal for several reasons. Cabernet Franc is the varietal produced by Dracaena Wines, so that wine is, in effect, their baby. In addition, Cardinal Richelieu, the Prime Minister of France, who is known for many things, is also believed to have been responsible for Cabernet Franc’s transportation from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley. He died on December 4th, and for this reason, that date was chosen to honor the grape varietal. This year, December 4th marks the second celebration of Cabernet Franc Day or #CabFrancDay.

Cabernet Franc is a blue black grape variation that originated in Bordeaux France and is a staple throughout the country. The grape grows well in cooler climates and is pretty adaptable. Although it originated in Bordeaux, it can also be found in the Loire Valley, France, Italy, U.S., Hungary, Chile, South Africa, Spain, Canada, Argentina and other countries.

Cabernet Franc happens to be the parent of a wine we all love. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc merged and gave birth to Cabernet Sauvignon. Therefore, we would not have Cabernet Sauvignon without the Cabernet Franc grape. Cab Franc is used for blending not only Cab Sauvignon, but Merlot, Petite Syrah, Bordeaux and a few other wines. In fact, Cabernet France is the main grape used in some of the worlds best Bordeaux wines. Additionally, there would be no Cabernet Sauvignon without the Cabernet Franc grape. As most parents and children share certain similarites, Cabernet Franc is similar in taste to Cabernet Sauvignon, but is lighter and less tannic. This grape is also used for many ice wines. Despite being a wonderful grape for blending, it makes for a fabulous wine on its own. It can be aged for 10-15 years.

The Wining Hour’s Cabernet Franc Selection:

As #CabFrancDay was initiated by Dracaena Wines, it was only fitting to pour one of their wines. Last year, for the inaugural celebration, we were delighted to have Lori from Dracaena Wines join #WiningHourChat (@WiningHourChat) to discuss it. Lori contributed some great information about the grape, its history and some pairing options. We tasted Dracaena Wines’ 2013 Cabernet Franc vintage. It needed to be aerated, so as it decanted, the scents and flavors opened up nicely.

To the nose, it had aromas of spicy, dark fruits such as raspberries and dark cherry and fresh herbs. Spicy raspberries were also on the palate. In addition, it was earthy, peppery and smooth with soft tannins. This Cabernet Franc was definitely full bodied, more so than expected. Dracaena’s Cabernet Franc was 85% Cab Franc and 15% Petite Syrah, and aged for 2 years in French oak barrels.

We paired this tasty Cabernet Franc with a boneless rib eye steak and sweet potato fries. Due to the full body of the wine, it supported the steak nicely. Other typical pairing options include steaks, hamburgers, stewed and roasted meats like lamb,beef or rabbit and dishes with robust red sauces.

We enjoyed our Cabernet Franc and certainly deem it worthy of having its own day. You can celebrate too. To be apart of the conversation, join Dracaena Wines on #CabFrancDay on Twitter at 8pm/Eastern to show how much you #LoveCabFranc.

About The Wining Hour
The Wining Hour writes about wine, Italy and global travel. The Wining Hour boutique caters to wine-lovers across the globe by offering all wine-related items. The Wining Hour markets unique wine décor and furnishings, accessories, glassware, barware, wine racks, storage and cooling options, games, gifts and more. The Wining Hour also hosts #wininghourchat on Twitter (@wininghourchat) on Tuesday’s at 9 p.m. EST.(For more, see links at the top of this page)

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