Cabernet Franc, Carretto Collection - VQA, 750 mL

2022 is a vintage that will be remembered for its high quality but also for its scarcity as yields were down around 50% from average. This is due to significant vine damage that took place during the fall and early winter of 2021, which was wet and saw a few sudden cold snaps. Although budbreak was a little later than usual, the summer was hot and dry, with well-timed rainfall that didn’t interfere with harvest. This heat continued into the fall, leading to large windows of opportunity for harvest and great ripeness across most varieties. 

This is a classic example of Cabernet Franc from an exceptional vintage. It pours a deep ruby colour, hinting at its intensity and complexity, and has excellent varietal character without any of the “green” or bell pepper notes often found in examples lacking ripeness. Instead, the nose is loaded with fresh ripe berries, a touch of liquorice and an abundance of cherry aromas, all alongside complexities of vanilla and charred wood from its lengthy barrel aging. These descriptors are also on display on the palate, which is very well balanced, offering youthful but soft tannins and ample cool climate acidity that brings out the fruit and makes it very food friendly.

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: 13.5% ABV

Residual Sugar: 0.3 g/L