2018 Carretto Cabernet Franc

After an extremely variable winter, the 2018 vintage began with an abundance of sunshine and heat alongside adequate rainfall. The extreme heat experienced throughout the summer and early fall allowed most grape varieties to ripen without difficulty, but in some cases harvest was early due to the increased pressure of humidity later in the fall. This vintage was well suited for the production of aromatic whites, rosé wines and medium bodied reds.

A deep garnet wine showing aromas of liquorice, ripe berry, cherry and prune with hints of cigar and flint. The palate is subtle and fruity with flavors of ripe raspberries, plums, cherries and a stony, flinty finish. Some astringency and body add to the intensity, which come from the ripeness of the grape at harvest. Additional tertiary characters come from the aging in French oak barrels for 19 months.

This wine is very food friendly and would be best served with foods higher in protein, starch and salt, as to soften tannins and acidity- think lamb stew, vegetable lasagna, pepper-crusted steak, aged cheeses and game meats.

Technical Information:

Appellation: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Blend: 100% Cabernet Franc

Oak Aging: 19 months French Oak

Alcohol: 14.0% ABV

Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/L