Rosa Fierro Cellar
Livermore Valley CabFranc Fest
On Saturday and Sunday July 12th and 13th, the members of the Cab Franc Guild in Livermore held the CabFranc Fest. The wineries that participated were:
Cuda Ridge Wines
Darcie Kent
Fenestra Winery
Las Positas Vineyards
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
Rodrigue Molyneaux
Wood Family Vineyards
And Vasco Row Wineries:
Occasio, Rosa Fierro Cellars, and The Steven Kent Winery
Each winery featured their Cabernet Franc wines and several others. For Cabernet Franc Fest, some held special events comparing and contrasting various vintages or fermentation techniques, barrel/stainless steel or concrete egg treatment, etc. Some of the wineries provided music and had food trucks available for delicious pairings with the Cabernet Franc wines.
The first stop was at Cuda Ridge Wines with Larry & Margie Dino hosting and pouring not only their award winning Cabernet Franc wines but another four or five special wines. Below are the 2022 and 2023 vintages with pizza pairings.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry also provided a taste of his 2022 Merlot which recently was cited by Wine Enthusiast as being one of the 13 most highly rated Merlot wines in the world! The article listed Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, California and Washington.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
After an hour’s visit we were off to the next winery on the list.
First up was Rosa Fierro Cellars where Rosie was pouring both her 2020 and 2021 “Big Daddy” Cabernet Franc wines from White Cat Vineyard. Both wines were delicious and yet different. The 2020 provided more red fruit (raspberries) and the 2021 was extremely smooth with blackberries. Same vineyard and different years!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
With the Acoustic Frequency band playing in the background this was a perfectly “chill wine” to taste even on a warm day. Also who wouldn’t want to taste a winning wine produced by the talented and smiling Rosie?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked over to Steven Kent Winery, basically in the same courtyard with the music, and tasted their award winning Cabernet Franc. Picked up the food pairing two different kinds of tacos by Carnitas Aguirre to enjoy with the Cabernet Franc wines by Steven Kent Winery. Steven and Beth Mirassou were happily pouring and discussing their wines, one being a Blanc and a red Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked back to Wood Family Vineyards where they were showcasing their Cabernet Franc wines and many more. The wines being offered included the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay, 2022 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Culmination Cabernet Franc, 2022 “The Captain” a red blend and 2022 “El Loco Rojo” red blend. Charcuterie boards were also available. Their 2022 Culmination is a wine to be sought after for spectacular aromas and flavor.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While at the Wood Family tasting room, in the back barrel room, their recently added Sensory and Aroma Class was about to begin. It is held for a small intimate group of customers who wish to expand their awareness and knowledge, led by the engaging and fun couple of Rob and Julie Diestler. Some 40+ fruits, vegetables, oils, fragrances, herbs, etc., are sealed in a glass container and each participant gets to smell the aroma. Then the Wood Family wines are poured and they ferret out the aromas that each wine presents. If you have not experienced something like this, it is worth signing up for as you will discover some unique ways in which to describe what you are tasting. They keep the groups small to foster communications amongst themselves and with the instructors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Truly an excellent opportunity to taste exquisite Cabernet Franc wines, taste a few tidbits and talk with the winemakers. Put it on your calendar for next year!!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.rosafierrocellars.com