I was on my computer doing some research and discovered that tomorrow (December 4^th) is Cabernet Franc Day. Well, this is certainly something to celebrate. I’ve gotten intrigued by Cab Franc over the past couple of years. The history of this grape shows that it is one of the grapes, along with Sauvignon Blanc that created the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal. Its description is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon with some really nice and interesting differences.

Body: Dry, light to medium body

Taste: raspberry and black currant (what’s better than that?)

Aroma: spicy, savory with a herbaceousness to it like green bell peppers

Decanting: 30 minutes prior to serving to relax the spiciness a bit

Although Cab Franc, in the past, was used as a blending wine, recently it has come into its own. Cab Franc is a grape that was originally grown in the Bordeaux and Loire regions of France but over the past 20 years, it has expanded into Australia, New Zealand, and in the US: Washington state, Long Island/Finger Lakes in New York, and California.  More and more wineries are making 100% Cabernet Franc and I’m personally thrilled! I love that it’s a lesser-known wine but it’s one that should be on many more people’s radar.

Pairings for this wine are fairly easy. It pairs really well with chicken, turkey, pork roast, meatballs in tomato sauce. Cheese pairings are goat cheese, Camembert, Fontina, Feta.

Match Cabernet Franc with the herbs used in your dishes: Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Jalapeño Pepper, Coriander, Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper.

I have a friend in Sonoma, California who makes a really lovely, beautiful, and delicious Cabernet Franc from Idle Cellars. Go to their website and order a couple of bottles. You truly will not regret it! Experience an Idle moment of your own.

www.Idlecellars.com

Or, visit your local wine shop and check out the selection of Cabernet Franc available. Try one from France and one from the US or New Zealand, for example. You can compare and contrast while you enjoy this newfound red.

So, if you are a red wine drinker, give this varietal a try. It’s lighter and gentler than Cabernet Sauvignon with a spicy, savory taste that will tantalize your taste buds. I like to sip it on a cool night by a roaring fire or on an autumn day relaxing on the porch.

Buy this wine tomorrow for Cabernet Franc Day! Celebrate. Cheers!