Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2011

"Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Cabernet Franc is one of the few 100% Cabernet Franc's produced in California. We started growing the varietal to use as a blending grape for our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and our premium blend CYRUS.
We quickly realized that our Cabernet Franc is a pretty phenomenal wine on its own. The climate in the southern end of the valley defines our wines. Warm days during the growing season allow the grapes to ripen evenly and develop flavor. The fog rolls in before sunrise each morning, lowering the temperature; which cools the grapes and maintains the acidity. Water from irrigation and precipitation drains away quickly, which allows the vines to be stressed, leading to smaller grapes and lower yields with more concentrated flavors.

Light and late are the two words most often used to describe the 2011 vintage. A wet winter and spring delayed bloom, then heavy rain at bloom hindered the fruit set decreasing the grape yields dramatically. A cool summer prolonged the growing season and harvest started later than usual. The overall effect was great flavor development and well balanced wines. After fermentation the wine was aged for 16 months in 100% French Oak barrels.

Always small production, this wine is rarely seen outside of the winery, yet it was named “One of the Worlds Best Wine Values under $25” by Robert Parker."
Wine notes from the winery

Food Pairings

Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc loves to be paired with red meats. But because the wine is less tannic, Cab Franc is often more versatile than its more regal cousin. A sausage pizza would work fine, for instance as would a dish like
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