Cabernet Francs have a loyal following for their charming, savory-tinged aromas and lithe mouthfeels. While France's Loire Valley and California make popular styles on opposing ends of the spectrum, Argentina's high-altitude Uco Valley rides a seductive line between them. The 2022 Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc from Argentina's iconic Catena Zapata winery (and their Cab Franc master winemaker, Alejandro Vigil) is a delicious example of that, especially for the value it offers at $19.98!
At 3500ft above sea level, the intense sunshine in the Uco Valley's San Carlos area makes this Cabernet Franc flavorfully concentrated, but with the dramatic temperature changes at night, you end up with a classically lively, medium-bodied Cabernet Franc. While generous with its core notes of juicy, ripe red and dark berries, and its lightly creamy edge from the 13-month aging in French oak barrels, it has a strong streak of the variety's signature peppery tobacco and tea leaf accents. But what really separates this from many other New World regions is its firm undercurrent of electric/mineral sensations, and a savory finish, all typical of Argentina's high-altitude Uco Valley! Naturally, this is an exceptional partner for grill-outs, especially with meat and veggie skewers (red and yellow peppers, mushrooms and onions) or fajitas.
VINOUS 93 POINTS - "The 2022 Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos originates from a massal vineyard planted in the southern Uco Valley. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged for up to 13 months in French oak barrels (with approximately one-third of them being new), this garnet wine with a purplish sheen offers aromas of ash, roasted red pepper and cassis, with a subtle leafy undertone. Creamy and juicy, the taut and fine-grained palate lingers with intense flavor. This is a savory Cabernet Franc from San Carlos." - Joaquin Hidalgo, 02/2024
At 3500ft above sea level, the intense sunshine in the Uco Valley's San Carlos area makes this Cabernet Franc flavorfully concentrated, but with the dramatic temperature changes at night, you end up with a classically lively, medium-bodied Cabernet Franc. While generous with its core notes of juicy, ripe red and dark berries, and its lightly creamy edge from the 13-month aging in French oak barrels, it has a strong streak of the variety's signature peppery tobacco and tea leaf accents. But what really separates this from many other New World regions is its firm undercurrent of electric/mineral sensations, and a savory finish, all typical of Argentina's high-altitude Uco Valley! Naturally, this is an exceptional partner for grill-outs, especially with meat and veggie skewers (red and yellow peppers, mushrooms and onions) or fajitas.
VINOUS 93 POINTS - "The 2022 Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos originates from a massal vineyard planted in the southern Uco Valley. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged for up to 13 months in French oak barrels (with approximately one-third of them being new), this garnet wine with a purplish sheen offers aromas of ash, roasted red pepper and cassis, with a subtle leafy undertone. Creamy and juicy, the taut and fine-grained palate lingers with intense flavor. This is a savory Cabernet Franc from San Carlos." - Joaquin Hidalgo, 02/2024
