New World: Cabernet Franc
2016 Gold: 3 Silver: 4 Bronze: 1 Commended: 3
2015 Gold: 3 Silver: 7 Bronze: 2 Commended: 3
Cabernet Franc was one of the New World’s best categories last year – a real surprise star that appeared out of nowhere and wowed everybody who tried it. And happily the variety proved that this was no mere one-off, with a good performance once again in 2016. Cab Franc’s natural leafy lift seems to work well with slightly sunnier New World weather – more ripeness than Loire versions, but never heavy and over-concentrated.
Where last year we had medal winners from across the New World, this year, for some reason, they were all from South America. Not that our tasters were complaining. Sure, they might need a bit of a hand-sell, but nobody would complain about being talked into a glass of these.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘After this tasting I really want to look some of these out. They would need a hand sell, but it would be good to have something different. That Cabernet Franc character really stands on its own.’ Sue Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn
‘We had some wines that were different from what we expected, but generally there were all ripe and balanced with good complexity – and the price was good, too.’ Marco Marcuzzo, Skylon
‘Cabernet Franc always needs a sommelier’s help. You have to match a specific wine to a specific food. There’s more fruit and balance in these wines than those from the Loire, though, so it’s generally easier to match.’ Giuseppe Longobardi, The Cross at Kenilworth
‘I was really pleased with the pricing of these. There was a lot of good value for money. I’d put a few of these on by the glass, though they would still need help from the sommelier.’ Ed Verrill, Vinoteca King’s Cross
“We don’t have any single varietal Cabernet Franc on our own list, but this line-up made me rethink.” Sue Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn