Spotlight on Cabernet Franc
Saumur-Champigny “Les Sables,” Ch. de Chaintres – 2021 $21.96
Chateau de Chaintres is a seventeenth-century mansion deep in the Saumur-Champigny region. As I have grown to love the grape variety Cabernet Franc, this has become one of my absolute favorite regions for flavorful and affordable wine. Winemaker Jean-Philippe Louis delicately crafts this cuvée, resting it both in stainless-steel tanks and terracotta jars before it spends 8 months aging in primarily neutral oak. The fruit flavors are mature, landing somewhere between plum and cassis berry. The minerality was expectedly great, coming from the limestone-rich soil of Loire. A subtle spice of clove lingers on a truly elegant finish. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Bodegas Lagarde “Guarda” Cabernet Franc – 2020 $21.96
With the first vines planted in 1897, Bodegas Lagarde is one of the oldest wineries in Mendoza, Argentina. Today the winery and estate are run by third generation sisters, Sofia and Lucila Pescarmona. When I first embarked to taste this estate-produced Cabernet Franc, I did fear I was going to find a glass that was too fruity and too lucious, lacking in personality. Boy was I wrong. This wine is clearly produced by very skilled hands. The black fruit characteristics shined through with notes of vibrant and deep black raspberry. The 12 months of French Oak maturation give this wine great structure and maturity. I simply loved the textured and supple tannins. – Evan Cucciniello, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Channing Daughters, Cabernet Franc Rosato – 2022 $18.96
I have picked this wine in the past, but I feel it bears revisiting. Channing Daughters has always made quality wines that at the same time vary nicely with the vintage. This has always been one of my favorite rosés. Dry, clean, and full of bright fruit, balanced by a wonderful, earthy, vegetal, herbaceous greenness. Reminding me of classic Loire valley rosé from Chinon or Saumur. – Josh Mizrahi, Sales Manager
Wiemer Cabernet Franc, Seneca Lake – 2021 $23.99
A pioneer and champion of vinifera in the Finger Lakes, Hermann J. Wiemer was one of the first believers in the potential for European vines in the Finger Lakes. Up until then, the climate was thought to be too cold for these vines to survive, especially during the winter months. What the Finger Lakes is today is a testament to these original believers. Wiemer even has a nursery of vines established for the benefit of other local wineries, expanding the diversity of what can actually grow in this beautiful land. It’s a lot more than they first thought! This Cabernet Franc is a world class example demonstrating what long autumns in the Finger Lakes can create in a red wine, as the fruit becomes riper and the texture richer. We are treated to vibrant raspberry and plum aromas with that distinctive bell pepper spice on the palate. – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager
Egri Bikavér Superior, Gál Tibor – 2021 $18.96
Legend has it that during the 1552 siege of Eger castle by Ottoman head-honcho Suleiman the Magnificent, defending soldiers were given delicious food and red wine rumored to contain bull’s blood, which gave them strength and firm resistance. Egir Bikavér (Bull’s Blood of Eger) was born. Centuries later Hungarian winemaker Gál Tibor Jr, son of the late and very great Gál Tibor, produces this wine with the goal to “bring back the good reputation of the Egir Bikavér.” Kékfrankos (40%), Kadarka (10%), Syrah (20%), Cabernet Franc (10%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) and Pinot Noir (5%), which sees 12 months in Hungarian oak. The wine is crisp, spicy and vibrant, with sour red cherries, cranberries and red currant flavors. Take the bull by the horns (I had to) and enjoy this incredible value out of Hungary. – Simon Gouldstone, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Ch. Malartic-Lagravière, Pessac-Léognan – 2018 $79.96
The importance of vintage is a crucial factor in Bordeaux. A late spring frost can kill newly formed flowers, decimating a vintage. Late rain during the harvest season can dilute the grapes producing less concentrated wines. The 2018 vintage was immaculate on the left bank and, more importantly, in Pessac-Léognan south of the city of Bordeaux in Graves. The summer was warm and dry, while an early September refreshed the vines as they continued to ripen. Exceptional sunshine and warmth continued until the late September/early October harvest. Chateau Malartic-Lagravière is a ripe, Bordeaux blend showing concentrated red and black fruits. A full-bodied mouthfeel yet a sublime elegance defines this wine and vintage. – Matt Goodyear, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant