Corti Brothers 2017 Cabernet Franc, “Canzoniere” A Big Winner At International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition – International Division
The Background
While this is how I usually start out my stories, this is “not a winery” per se. Corti Brothers is a throwback neighborhood and ethnic local market from the 50’s and 60’s. With the epicurean renaissance of the younger generations (alphabet folks, Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z and various others), they are looking for fresh, organic, original foods. So while throwback, perhaps they really are setting the trend and catering to the future. Frank and Gino Corti started the grocery store in 1947 to expand and offer a culinary experience to the Sacramento community. While calling it a grocery store, they offer all kinds of fresh produce, upmarket food items, a full feature delicatessen and an array of fine wines. They are located at 5810 Folsom Blvd in Sacramento just of Hwy 50.
Photo from Corti Brothers website
Darrell Corti is the impetus behind the wine selections of the store. Rick Mindermann, the GM, stated they have “an eclectic and unique wine selections” from Europe, Eastern Europe and anything Darrell finds interesting or of historic importance to the wine world. Darrell’s grandfather was born in Italy and those roots/heritage are important to him. He spent some time at the University of Madrid and today speaks seven languages. Darrell was one of several folks bringing back to life Amador County Zinfandel. Darrell was introduced at UC Davis as the “Dean of Food & Wine of California” which is an understatement. His wealth of knowledge extends worldwide on food and wine. Here is a short U-Tube video clip worth seeing https://youtu.be/eP9o7pvFKEY . His curiosity and inquisitiveness knows no limit.
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Corti Brothers entered the 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition, March 2023 and took way all the awards in the International Division. Many wines from Chile and Hungary were entered and his 2017 Canzoniere Cabernet Franc was awarded Best of Class and Best of Show by both the Professional and People’s Judges. The Professional Judges also awarded a Gold Medal and People’s Choice Judges awarded Double Gold Medals. Because of his close relationship with his friend in Italy, all the awards were shipped to him as the winemaker.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Darrell travelled with Rick to Italy in 2018 and tasted the 2017 vintage still in barrel at a friend’s estate in the Colli Euganei, just outside Padova in Italy’s Veneto region (north eastern area). Darrell and Rick were in Italy attending the CIBUS, famous food event. Darrell tasted the wine and enjoyed the aroma and balance of the wine and on the spot asked if they would keep that barrel and bottle it for Corti Brothers separately. The wine was bottled in late spring of 2021 and clearly is a fine example of Cabernet Franc from Italy. In the Veneto region Cabernet Franc has been grown since the early 1800’s. It is 100% Cabernet Franc. Darrell is also pragmatic in determining the best wines. With a small group of friends, and several open bottles, the bottle first emptied is considered the best wine!
On the eyes, a beautiful and enticing ruby red coloring with a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose a restrained aroma of violets and raspberry. But this timid aromatic wine comes bounding to life on the palate. Strong red and black fruits, with a hint of vanilla and sweet pipe tobacco provide a mouth filling and delightful experience. On the finish, soft velvety tannins are noted, but coat the throat without any sharp edges. A hint of rustic Old World wine making (perhaps the barrels), also is noted on the finish. The wine sells for $40/bottle and personally, it worth every penny!! While the label states DOC, this is a real thoroughbred of Cabernet Franc. This is a one-time offering and when gone, it is gone.
The Canzoniere name was chosen from the works of the poet Petrarca, 1330-1374, known as the father of Humanism and setting the stage for the Renaissance in Italy. His picture adorns the label. His influence was known world-wide for his notions of unattainable and unrequited love, i.e., Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Browning’s “Sonnet 43”, Wordsworth, Sir Thomas Wyatt and others. One of his famous quotes is “Five enemies of peace inhabit with us – avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride; if these were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace”.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired this evening with a whole wheat spaghetti pasta with a Bolognese sauce of ground beef, minced Italian sausage, diced onions and tomato sauce. Accompanied by freshly steamed broccoli and a garden salad (not shown). An exquisite food and wine pairing. Enjoyed one glass with the meal and another sipping after dinner without food as it was so smooth and refreshingly alive.
Sláinte,
Michael