The Only Cabernet Franc Wine in Pittsburgh is Part of a Crime Scene

Okay I may be exaggerating just a little bit, but this is what really happened. This past week, I came home from a work trip and my apartment was broken into. The side window was left wide open. This also happens to be the same window where I store all of my “in progress” wines that I am still drinking. All of the wine bottles were sitting on the outside of the window, in the fire escape alley. What did the burglars do? Place all of their wonderful fingerprints on the bottles as they pulled them out of the window so they could get in. Luckily, there wasn’t too much stolen. My boyfriend’s PlayStation 3 and 4 (I’m sure I can live without them!), and some jars full of change. The wine bottles were surprisingly left here by the thieves, but when the police came, they took them as evidence due to those finger prints. They even took my favorite Cabernet Franc that I was going to write about in this article, and now I can’t find it anywhere in stores! It was a Cabernet Franc from the Finger Lakes. I can’t even remember the producer or exact vineyard. It is my sincere hope that maybe one day I will see it sitting there on the shelf at the store and just know “that’s the one!”

This brings me to another point that I think is interesting. Why can’t I find Cabernet Franc wine anywhere in the Pittsburgh liquor stores? I’ve gone to several local stores and there is exactly 1 store that carries Cabernet Franc. The wine is in a section marked “other reds”, like it doesn’t even matter. (It’s okay, Cab Franc, I’m rooting for you!) But seriously, considering Cabernet Franc’s history as a parent of so many well known red grapes – Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon included, as well as being the main grape used in all of the “noble” red blends in the U.S. – what’s with the disrespect? Is Cabernet Franc not trendy enough? It made you, Merlot! Show some respect. I really would not be surprised if someone saw a bottle of Cabernet Franc in my window and stole it from me, since it’s such a rare commodity. In all seriousness, I think this is a delicious grape that should enjoy more respect from the average wine consumer. I realize that grapes like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are more readily available due to their popularity but, I really think we should demand more Cabernet Franc from our retailers! Please give me more.

With that thought, I want to make note of the Cabernet Franc red blends that I did find in Pittsburgh.  Each of these will make you want to melt into your couch with a warm blankey on a chilly fall night next month.

Château Tertre de Viaud Côtes De Bourg 2011, France (Bordeaux)

“Beautiful ruby color and a very complex bouquet of ripe fruits, spices and lightly-toasted aromas. Full, intense and powerful on the palate. This lovely wine can be enjoyed right away but will reveal a greater complexity after several years in the cellar.”

Achaval Ferrer Quimera, Mendoza, Argentina 2011 (Red Blend)

“Medium ruby. Floral aromas with blackberry, blueberry and cassis. Concentrated, well-integrated with flavors of crushed blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate-tobacco. Outstanding cellaring capacity.”

Glenora Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, USA (Cabernet Franc)

“A rich red wine, with a soft finish and gentle tannins. This wine is made from grapes grown in specially selected vineyards in the Finger Lakes appellation.”

Did that Cab Franc wine rant just make me transition from CorkNoob to CorkNovice? That may be pushing it too far. Tell me what you think about the Red Wine OG in the comments.