Quick Sip: Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc
Today’s “Quick Sip” is the Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc. Substance is the result of a joint venture in Walla Walla, WA, between Waters Winery and Gramercy Cellars, with the objective of producing good quality, affordable wines that showcase the regional character of Washington State. The Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc was crafted from fruit grown in the Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticultural AVA). The Walla Walla Valley AVA is a sub-appellation of the larger Columbia Valley AVA and extends partly into the northeastern corner of Oregon. This up-and-coming wine region has earned a well-deserved reputation for producing high quality red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc
The Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc comes from an area in the Walla Walla Valley AVA known as the “Rocks,” which is gaining a name for itself for producing distinctive terroir-driven wines. What is interesting is that the “Rocks” is on the Oregon side of the state line. Despite what side of the state line the fruit comes from, this is a pretty tasty Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Franc wine. The Cabernet Franc leans heavily towards an Old World style with subtle cherry and raspberry fruit aromas that co-mingle with herbal and mineral overtones. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced with tart berry and subtle earthy flavors and a smidgen of leafy and mild mocha notes with a medium-length finish. The good folks at Substance characterize this Cabernet Franc as a “restrained’ wine and they are right on the money - it’s supple, balanced, and all about moderation. The Substance 2009 Cabernet Franc retails for $20, has a real cork enclosure, and clocks in at 13.5% ABV. This wine sips nicely on its own and will pair well with a wide variety of foods ranging from pork and roasted lamb to veggie pizza.
** Local Twist ** Cabernet Franc is in the top three in grape production and acreage in Virginia, and is as important a varietal wine as it is a blending variety. Some of the best local examples are easy drinking and bright with red berry fruit, violets, and herbal nuances both on the nose and on the palate. Style and quality differ from tasting room to tasting room, but if you haven’t tried a Virginia Cabernet Franc yet, then get out and enjoy a few.
Have a question about this post, friends? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com, and as always, Happy Sipping! Stay tuned ...more to come!
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