A Winemaker's Tale

I met Karen, the Winemaker at Dry Mill Winery,  at event featuring Virginia women winemakers recently. Karen emailed me and asked me to share the information below you.

photo by TEP

 

A Winemaker's Tale of Cabernet Franc
by Karen, the Winemaker

               After spending the last 10 months in the tasting room, I’ve discovered that a lot of Virginians LOVE Cabernet Franc.  And I don’t blame them!  Traditionally a blending grape in Virginia “Bordeaux Blends” or “Meritage” wines, the wine on its own is often peppery and a powerhouse wine.

                What amazes me, though, is that most folks haven’t tried Cabernet Franc from other parts of the world.  It’s not super surprising, since many regions don’t typically bottle a wine to showcase the unique varietal.  It’s rare to walk into a wine shop and find many “Cabernet Franc’s” staring back at you.

                But this noble grape DID have a birthplace, and today is featured with gusto and pride!  That place is the Loire Valley of France.  Located north of Paris, this valley runs east to west along the Loire River.  THIS is where Cabernet Franc (locally known as Cabernet Breton) took hold!  Later, it moved further south into Bordeaux and became more of a supporting player rather than a star.

                In the Loire Valley you won’t hear Cabernet Franc described with phrases like “powerhouse” or “intense tannins”.  Rather, you’ll hear words like “elegant”, “spicy”, “pure”, and “minerality”.  They often have more acidity than a lot of wines due to their northern location, but that makes them natural partners for food!

                In 2012, Dry Mill Winery received a few tons of Cabernet Franc which most winemakers would consider “under ripe” and instantly write them off as a “fail”.  But not me!  I could see the beauty in the fruit.  Sure, the sugar quantity was low, but the fruit was pristine, and the flavors were pure and true to the character of Cab Franc… not a hint of green pepper flavor!

                With the help of a few Wine Club members and wine lovers, we sorted the fruit in order to make a small quantity of a “Reserve” wine.  And then I allowed the wine to ferment with minimal adjustments.  I gave the grapes the freedom to become the wine that it IS,
without forcing it to be a wine that is EXPECTED.

                And when the wine was fermented and aging, I would try it often… and every time I would marvel at the similarities between our wine and those of the Loire Valley.

                Which brings us to today.  The wine is bottled and the perfect holiday for Cabernet Franc is approaching… Thanksgiving!!  I want to take this opportunity to take you on a wine tasting journey, comparing the wines of Dry Mill to the traditional wines of the Loire Valley!
Join me on Friday November 14 or Saturday November 15, 2014 for a guided tasting of Cabernet Franc, complete with a complementary glass of wine, and delicious charcuterie to perfectly pair!

photo by TEP

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If your schedule and budget permit, I hope you will attend this event. And, if you see me, please say hello.

 

 

Be well,

 



Technicolor girl

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