Top Cab for #CabernetDay
Happy #CabernetDay! Rick Bakas, founder of #CabernetDay, tweeted this week “Cabernet Day isn’t just about Cab Sauv. Really want ppl to discover Cab Franc, esp from Loire”. That’s exactly what we hope you do this #CabernetDay, learn to appreciate the leading red grape in the Loire: Cabernet Franc.
A little history…
In the Loire Valley, “Cabernet” means Cabernet Franc. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is better known and more widely planted around the world, Cabernet Franc is an older varietal. In 1997, it was established through genetic studies that Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, another important Loire Valley varietal, are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Franc is grown in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions and ripens earlier than its more famous relative making it better suited to the cooler climate of Loire. Cab Franc, known locally as Breton, can make lighter bodied, less tannic wines than many other red grapes and they are generally ready to drink soon after bottling. However, Cab Franc is capable of producing more full bodied wines that age brilliantly over many years.
We’d love for you to give some Cabernet Franc a try and Tweet us if you do! But remember that they are named for their place of origin, not for the grape. So look for Chinon, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny, or St Nicolas de Bourguiel. Also, follow us on twitter @LoireValleyWines for more great facts about Cabernet Franc and enjoy your #CabernetDay.