I am not an expert, just a discerning wine lover or amateur de vin (as the French say), but everyone has a different palate, likes and dislikes so it must be understood that any of my recommendations are personal. I just hope that you find them useful or at the very least - interesting. I also hope you enjoy my photos. It is more fun sharing then keeping them backed up on a hard drive.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Ontario's Other Red Grape

There is much to be said about Pinot Noir finding a home in Ontario and there is no doubt that we can make premium Pinot Noir here and that it is a signature grape. Much less talked about is Cabernet Franc, which outside of the Loire (and now Ontario) is mostly used in Bordeaux-style blends rather than to make a varietal wine. Although not perfect every vintage, there have certainly been enough good years that some standout wines have been made.

A really good Ontario Cabernet Franc has an intense nose that to me almost seems perfumed, floral. The palate is of ripe berries, red fruit and a touch of herbaceousness.

I have certainly not tried them all but I have tried many and QPR standouts for me include:

FEATHERSTONE - CABERNET FRANC 2011, NIAGARA - $ 16.95   
http://www.featherstonewinery.ca/wines.html

https://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=FEATHERSTONE+CABERNET+FRANC+2011&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN



TAWSE - GROWERS BLEND - CABERNET FRANC 2011, NIAGARA - $ 26.95   
http://tawsewinery.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=241    

   

TAWSE-  LAUNDRY VINEYARD  - CABERNET FRANC 2010, NIAGARA - $31.95
https://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=328096


SOUTHBROOK - WHIMSY!- CABERNET FRANC 2010, NIAGARA - $34.95
http://www.southbrook.com/2010_whimsy_cabernet_franc_101
 
https://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=SOUTHBROOK+WHIMSY%21+CABERNET+FRANC+2010&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN