If you’re not yet a fan, Cabernet Franc offers up fantastic wine stylings that can take your wine glass from summer to fall. Consider this your invitation to jump on the Cabernet Franc band or shall we say, grape wagon.
“My favourite tidbit about Cabernet Franc is that along with Sauvignon Blanc, they represent the parentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, often thought to be the ‘king of grapes,” shares our Sales Manager Darryl. “So, Cabernet Franc is quite literally its Daddy!”
Think of it as “the strong silent type”. Cabernet Franc has all the qualities you love about big reds without being boisterous about it.
Principally, Cabernet Franc has been grown for blending in the Bordeaux style. Yet in Ontario’s cooler climate it is one of the grape varietals that does very well here. It’s popularity is growing as Ontario wineries share their offerings.
Here at Pelee Island Winery, we love seeing what a grape can do. It’s why we know Cabernet Franc can be a wine for all seasons and perfect for the transition from summer to fall.
Let’s start with our end of summer favourite and work up from there.
LOLA Cabernet Franc Rosé VQA
Oh yes Cabernet Franc can produce a lovely rosé. We especially like this one for those end of summer, early hint of fall in the air meals.
Our LOLA Cabernet Franc Rosé is not only VQA, it is also designated to the South Islands appellation here in our Lake Erie North Shore wine region. What does that mean? It means all the grapes are grown here on Pelee Island.
Food Pairing: Vegan Eggplant Curry – South Indian Brinjal Curry
Cabernet Franc VQA
“This lean, lively red teems with a pretty perfume of ripe red berries laced with red bell pepper followed by a juicy crush of cherry-raspberry that tastes lifted and pure. A touch of black earth mid-palate and a subtly chalky texture on the finish adds interest. Smart buy. Score: 91
Pour this easy-drinking wine with sausages—either sliced as charcuterie, scattered on a pizza, or grilled on the barbecue. It’s refreshing nature works beautifully with the rich, salty, umami-packed bite of sausage.”
Read the full copy of Carolyn Hammond’s review of her Pelee Island Discovery Box wines here.
Food Pairing: Garlic Butter Sausage Subs
Lighthouse Cabernet Franc VQA
A simple, straight forward example of Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-red in colour. Perfectly ripe fruit on the nose, with red berry, cherry and green pepper aroma with a balanced acidity.
Like our core line VQA series Cabernet Franc, our Lighthouse vintage has that green pepper and those red berry notes. They are both 2018 vintages too. Yet they are different due to the exact location in which they are grown and how they grapes are crafted into wine by our winemakers.
We suggest a side-by-side tasting and would love to know what you think.
Food Pairing: Grilled Flank Steak Kebabs
LOLA Cabernet Franc – Cabernet Sauvignon VQA
Here’s your blended Cabernet Franc experience. These grape varietals are related and they work amazingly well together.
With this Lola, you’ll experience a medium-bodied fruity wine offering flavours of cherry and currant with a light hint of cedar.
Food Pairing: Fried Tofu with Spicy Ginger-Sesame Sauce
As the days seem to get shorter and we reach for our sweaters, we hope you’ll give a Cabernet Franc a try!
Cheers!
Pssttt… Don’t forget while you’re here to sign up for our Birthday Club and receive a $20 Gift Voucher for your Birthday!