World Wine Days: Cabernet Franc Day

Best BC Bottles: Celebrate BC Cabernet Franc on International Cabernet Franc Day. 

​Let the celebrations this December 4th ring out the good news and good taste that Cabernet Franc offers wine lovers everywhere. Cheers to BC wine. Use hashtag #cabfrancday and post your pics on social. 

Did you know that Cabernet Franc is a parent grape variety to Cabernet Sauvignon? Its one of the original Bordeaux varieties that has found it's way to British Columbia. Cab Franc has adapted to and is thriving in British Columbia. The recent  2021 vintage is showing beautifully despite the challenging year that was. Vineyards suffered from a heat dome in June and an early frost in October, not to mention the widespread wildfires and smoke filled skies. Thanks to dedicated winemakers and wineries, the work continues as BC battles climate challenges. If you love wine, and are shopping for the holidays, why not check out these recommendations below. Not only will you be supporting local, you will also  be celebrating Cabernet Franc on its special day. 

Cabernet Franc in Beautiful British Columbia

Some of BCs finest Cabernet Franc wines thrive in vineyards from warmer climatic zones in the Okanagan Valley such as the Golden Mile Bench (south of Oliver) and Okanagan Falls (south of Penticton). Over the past decade, these regions have consistently crafted exceptional examples of this versatile grape variety. Here are a few of my favorite wineries that make Cabernet Franc and my wine recommendations in honor of Cabernet Franc Day.

BC Cabernet Franc Wine Recommendations 

From Lillooet to Osoyoos, Cabernet Franc vineyards don't discriminate. It ripens more easily than Cabernet Sauvignon and is often sweeter and juicier. It thrives in cooler soils from gravel to limestone. If you are looking for international wine, the Loire Valley is worth exploring. Here is a previous post that offers a few international styles that are worthy of attention. Otherwise, check out these BC wineries who are making delicious aromatic wines that capture the appetizing fragrance of red raspberries, wet stones, and tangy green herbs. Where Loire may offer a signature pooh pooh aromas and flavours, BC Cab Franc offers distinctive juicy red fruit, wet stone polish and fresh herb inspiration. Don't take my word for it, go get a bottle. 

Fort Berens Estate Winery

​Fort Berens - Lillooet, BC
2021 Cabernet Franc - Luscious
Signature grape variety, long ripening cycle
New and neutral oak
Blueberries, cassis, dried herbs, vanilla spice, medium body low round soft tannins
14.1% abv
$32.99 at the winery
1000 cs

Bartier Brothers Vineyard & Winery

​Bartier Bros - Black Sage Bench, Oliver BC
2021 Cabernet Franc - smooth & velvety
Sourced from 3 vineyard sites that accumulated lots of sunlight and heat
Dark fruit profile - Blackberry & Plum -  flinty, smooth tannins, long finish
14% abv
Wine club exclusive
1092 cases

Painted Rock Estate Winery

​Painted Rock - Skaha Bluffs, Penticton BC
2021 Cabernet Franc - complex & savoury
30% new french oak
Italian herbs, olives and cooked green peppers with the dark and red fruits and a touch of cedar followed up with textured tannin and a long finish
The most elegant they have made yet according to Anthony Gismondi.
14.8% abv
$54.99

Hester Creek Estate Winery

​​Hester Creek - Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, BC
Library Release - 2019 Old Vines Cabernet Franc - intensity & finesse
From Historic Block 3 originally planted 1968. Barrel aged 18 months, 25% neutral American Oak
Fresh aromas of blackberry, Saskatoon berry and white pepper. Rich and ripe, with flavours of vanilla and raspberry, with a hint of sandalwood, followed by a long round finish. 
14.5% abv
$59.99

Corcelettes Estate Winery

​Corcelettes Winery - Similkameen Valley VQA, Cawston, BC
2021 Cabernet Franc - Concentration and Complexity and nearly sold out - 91 pts Gizmo
Low yield, hot season, gravel soils, narrow valley, daily wind tunnel, estate fruit
Aromas and flavours of espresso, raspberries, dried herbs and green olives, the textured lively tannin. Get your bottle now online.
14.2% abv
$38.90 at the winery

Seven Stones Estate Winery

​Seven Stones Estate Winery - Similkameen valley VQA, Cawston, BC
2016. 2017. 2019.
​Vertical of Cabernet Franc
Black & red fruit nose (plum, raspberry), black pepper and toasty vanilla spice, layers of elegant and well-structured Juicy flavours of red raspberry, decadent chocolate, and robust coffee with a soft, spicy, and supple long finish.
Unfortunately these are only available to club members.

Conclusion

If you love red wine and have not yet explored Cabernet Franc, you now have six reasons to do so. For great deals on BC Cabernet Franc wines, hop on over to Save-on Foods and get the deal of the year on BC wine. It's buy 4 bottles, get 10% or buy 12 bottles and take an additional $1 off a bottle What a deal! WOW! Another option is: support BC wineries directly by following the links to the wineries listed below and order your favorites online. It’s the holiday season so why not join a wine club and show your support of our local industry. It's the perfect way to share the holiday spirit. ​