Calcu Cabernet Franc

Woowee!  It’s been a busy couple weeks for me and I’ve been slacking at updating things here at Cheap Wine Ratings.  But I know you’re looking for a new wine to try, so let me get another review out there.

This one is going to be a short and sweet review as I don’t have much background about the wine, other than I know it’s good.  Well… I do have a little more background than that.

This wine is a cabernet franc, which is a Bordeaux variety.  It’s a variety that’s often compared to it’s close cousin, cabernet sauvignon.  Cabernet franc is known for being more aromatic/perfumey and fruity than cabernet sauvignon.  I’ve heard some people describe cabernet franc as having more “vegetal characteristics” but that’s actually indicative of bad cabernet franc.  Herbal is OK, but strong vegetal notes is indicative of overcropping, which means the fruit to leaf ratio on the vines was too high—preventing the grapes from fully ripening.

Chile isn’t particularly known for cabernet franc, but that’s where this one was produced.  To be more specific, this comes from the Colchagua Valley in Chile.  And based on how good this one is, perhaps Chile will become more well-known for this variety.

The nose is pretty intense, with loads of black cherry, plum, blackberry and chocolate aromatics.  There’s quite a bit of spice too, like nutmeg.  In the mouth it’s more big black cherry, plum and cassis.  Moderate tannins give it slight silkiness.  The acidity is just right.  The finish is quite long, with lingering berry flavors and spice.

Wine: Calcu Cabernet Franc
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2010
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 90
Price: $14.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.

Find Calcu Cabernet Franc with Snooth