Villa Martina Cabernet Franc 2004

Cabernet Franc is one of the primary grapes of Bordeaux. While it usually takes a back seat when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this wine lets it shine through.

The color ranges from garnet in the middle to much lighter around the edges. On the nose it has mint, tobacco, raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and a bit of lavender. The flavors are much lighter than its big brother, Cabernet Sauvignon. The first tastes that hit the palate are all fruit. Light strawberry, ripe black berries and raspberries. This is followed by fresh black pepper flavors.

We tasted this with a wide variety of cheeses, and it went equally well with Camembert, Chevre Brie topped with apricot jam, smoked gouda, and even, surprisingly, bleu cheese. This wine has very fine, subtle tannins. They are barely perceptible, but exist in sufficient quantities to work with the fat in the cheese. This is a very tasty wine for quaffing and gnoshing. Works for me!

This was a selection that we received from Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants wine club. We liked it enough to order another case. They sell it for $12.50.