2020 Pearmund Cellars Cabernet Franc
The Winery
Photo from Pearmund Cellars
Chris Pearmund bought the Meriwether Vineyard in 1966, located in Broad Run, Virginia 41 miles due west of Washington, D.C. His goals were simply stated as: 1) having wines from Virginia vineyards in every bottle 2) Quality wine second to none 3) Focus on innovation, education and experience. In 2002 Pearmund Cellars winery was established. In 2002 they were the 47th winery in Viriginia and today 300+ wineries are thriving in this rich historical wine state.
Photo from Pearmund Cellars
Today they produce Chardonnay from the oldest planted vines in Virginia on their estate. They also source from another 100 acres around the state. Wines currently being offered are Viognier, Riesling, Late Harvest Vidal, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Ameritage (blend). They produce about 7,000 cases annually. Their wines have won awards from Sunset International Wine Competition, American Wine Society, Harvest Challenge and SF International Wine Competition.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes between semi-transparent and red brick coloring with medium viscosity. On the nose ripe bing cherries waft into the sense as the dominate aroma. On the palate the spicer side of Cabernet Franc with a lively pepper note. The finish is mellow and beckons another easy drinking sip. Tannins are reserved and kept in check.
The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. The 2020 won Double Gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition. It is listed on their website at $37/bottle.
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
Chose this east coast Cabernet Franc which is typically lighter in both texture and taste to go with a mesquite chicken. Accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and a fresh garden salad. First time going with a Cabernet Franc with chicken and this Cab Franc provided a solid food pairing.
Sláinte,
Michael