AmRhein's 2019 Cabernet Franc

Rich and mature for such a young wine featuring subtle hints of vanilla and nutmeg with bright red cherries and plum finishing with rich tannins.

Vintage Notes

Cabernet Franc originated in France where it is commonly blended in Bordeaux wines. Here in Virginia it makes and outstanding red wine as a single varietal and it also is commonly blended. This vintage is a single varietal Cabernet Franc even though it is blended with 5% Petite Verdot for color and flavor enhancement. To be considered a single varietal a wine must contain at least 75% of that varietal.

Viticulture and Vineyard Site

We grow our Cabernet Franc in the red clay soils of our Franklin County Vineyard. A bit of luck went our way in 2017 as the remnants of a hurricane hit the day after we harvested. This was the last grape to be harvested in what has proven to be a superior vintage. Spring rains gave way to a warm dry summer and fall allowing the true expression of the grape to shine through.

Wine Making

Once harvested the grapes were chilled, put through a de-stemmer/crusher and then back into refrigeration for a cold soak of 72 more hours to aid in extracting as much flavor and color as possible. After refrigeration when the must warms, we begin fermentation. The wine was aged in neutral French and American Oak barrels for 1 year.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairings

On the nose this Cabernet Franc delivers red cherries with a hint of cloves. This medium bodied wine presents lot of fruit on the front end with flavors of cherry raspberry and ripe tomato. The soft tannins give way to the classic peppery finish. Pair this Cabernet Franc with roasted or grilled meats with mushroom sauce.