LXV Wines Presented Cab Franc Day, Paso Robles
On December 3rd 2023, at the Cass Event Center, all things Cabernet Franc were presented by various Cab Franc lovers! Participants could sign up for a symposium as well as tasting some of the 24 wineries pouring Cabernet Franc wines.
Cabernet Franc Wine Symposium
First on the slate was the Symposium, emceed by Linda Sanpei setting the agenda for a good size crowd attending this event the beginning of the day.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Linda introduced Neeta and Kunal of LXV Wines who one year ago held this inaugural event. Both are keenly interested in the development and explosion of Cabernet Franc in the USA as well as the balance of the world. However Neeta quickly pointed out this obsession is more driven by Kunal Mittal.
Photo by @thebrandfoto
Wes Hagen, an educator, wine afciando, winemaker, wine historian and many other credentials was the first up providing a PowerPoint presentation on Cardinal Richelieu who kept Cabernet Franc alive. December 4th is celebrated as worldwide Cabernet Franc Day. Paso Robles’ own Michael & Lori Budd of Dracaena Wines set the date on the international calendar on Cardinal Richelieu’s death. Wes took the audience on deep dive of the various Cabernet Franc regions and explained the “how, what and why” of the immense diversity of this one grape varietal. His enthusiasm and instructional rapport is amazing!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wes had some interesting points and spoke about 160,000 acres planted worldwide of Cabernet Franc and the 1200 acres planted in Paso, 85% of all wine purchased is consumed within 48 hours of purchase, etc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The six international wines tasted reflected a spectrum of this varietal’s diversity and adoption from various worldwide known regions. One of the many focused themes were the differences in “New World Style” verses “Old World Style”. New World Style Cabernet Franc are bold and fruit-forward. Warm climate areas more typically have clay based soils which result in the grapes having increased tannins present and higher intensity. Those areas include California, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Villany (Hungary), Tuscany and Virginia.
Photo by Neeta Mittal
The “Old World Style” are more lean herb-driven Cabernet Franc wines. These cooler climate wines produce a leaner and more savory wine. They typically provide good ageability because of their increased acidity. These are found in Loire Valley, St. Emilion, Friuli (Italy) and Finger Lakes, New York near Ontario.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wines tasted began with 2021 Ravines Estate in the Finger Lakes district in upper New York. The second was a 2020 Domaine Griparbella, Province of Pisa, Tuscany. Remaining in Europe was the fourth wine from 2018 Gere Villanyi, Ordogarok, Villany, Hungary. Then back across the Atlantic Ocean to the famed Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina to taste the 2020 El Enemigo. We finished up the tasting with a 2021 Forgotten Union from Oakville in Napa Valley.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In the above picture it’s difficult to see, but each wine presented differences in color and viscosity. Obviously the aromas and finishes were each unique. Wes went into great detail on each wine region with its nuances and unique characteristics imparted into the Cabernet Franc. The audience at the Symposium asked questions and Wes solicited questions for a perfectly orchestrated interplay.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was a panel of four emceed by Matt Kettmann with panelist Bill Gibbs, Austin Hope, Jeffrey Strekas and Christopher Taranto. Chris, Communications Director of Paso Robles Wine County Alliance, discussed the great diversity of each of the sub-AVA regions within Paso Robles. The information was extremely informative and helpful in understanding the breadth, range and diversity of vineyards in Paso Robles County.
Matt asked the four on the panel some direct questions ranging from viticulture, the wine industry, and their winery view of Cabernet Franc, etc., on Paso Robles suitability and planned growth for Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc Wine Tasting
At the conclusion of the Symposium, those attending as well as others went out to the covered patio area where 24 Paso Robles wineries (listed at the bottom of this story) were pouring their best Cabernet Franc wines. Each winery was asked to provide an educational display to assist in showing the quality profile of Cabernet Franc.
Photo by @thebrandfoto
Additionally Chef Charlie of Cass Winery worked with Neeta Mittal to present beautifully constructed and delicious appetizers to go with the various Cabernet Franc wines being sampled.
Photos by @thebrandfoto
This was absolutely was one of the best “wine events” for education and participation. This does not happen by accident as many, many folks were involved. A partial listing include not just the folks mentioned in the article, but also Paso Robles Wine and Paso Robles CAB Collective. With a special note of appreciation to Kunal & Neeta Mittal, Linda Sanpei, Wes Hagen and the 24 wineries pouring their lovely Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo by @thebrandfoto
If you love Cabernet Franc wines, this is definitely one event you don’t want to miss next December for education, experiencing worldwide wines and camaraderie extraordinaire.
Photo by @thebrandfoto
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
Two other stories were written on the events of the weekend and can be viewed by clicking on the links:
Reels:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1K9SozyJly/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0XwBwMppe7/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Participating Wineries:
Absolution Cellars https://www.absolutioncellars.com/
Adelaida https://www.adelaida.com/
Ancient Peaks https://ancientpeaks.com/
Austin Hope https://hopefamilywines.com/
Brecon Estate https://breconestate.com/
Calcareous https://www.calcareous.com/
Chateau Margene https://www.chateaumargene.com/
Continental Vineyards https://continentalwinecollection.com/
DAOU https://daouvineyards.com/
Dracaena Wines https://dracaenawines.com/
Field Recordings https://fieldrecordingswine.com/
Four Lanterns https://www.fourlanternswinery.com/
J. Lohr Vineyards https://www.jlohr.com/
Justin Winery https://www.justinwine.com/
Le Vigne https://www.levignewinery.com/
LXV Wine https://www.lxvwine.com/
Mid.Point https://www.midpoint.wine/
Paris Valley https://parisvalleyroad.com/
Tobin James https://www.tobinjames.com/
Union Sacre https://www.unionsacre.com/
Villa San-Juliette https://www.villasanjuliette.com/
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