Fountaingrove District - Wine Region of the Day

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Photo of the Fountaingrove District by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Fountaingrove District received its designation as an AVA in 2015. Situated on 38,000 acres, Fountaingrove is located in Sonoma County. Most of the soils are derived from Sonoma Volcanic and Franciscan Formation bedrock and consist of volcanic materials, such as pumiceous ash flow tuff and basalt lava. The Fountaingrove District is located on the western slopes of the Mayacmas Mountains and features low, rolling hills as well as higher, steeper mountains with southwest-facing slopes. The Sonoma Mountains, along the region's southwestern boundary, shelter Fountaingrove from the strongest marine breezes and heaviest fog, but an air gap in the mountains does allow some cooling air and fog into the region. The moderate temperatures within the Fountaingrove District are suitable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Viognier grape varieties.

V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine of the Day

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V. Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

$85

The wine is deep dark ruby with mashed strawberries and Ferrari red on the rim.  Strong fruit like Cassis, Cranberries, strawberries and cherries with touches of clay, rosemary, paprika lingering on chocolate, lavender and tobacco are scents on the nose.  In your mouth, there is a soft entrance evolving on present silky tannins with some ripe red fruit like red currant, red cherries and touches of coriander and juniper berries.  The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. 100% barrel fermented and barrel aged for 22 months on 80% new French Oak. The alcohol content is 14.4%  

Mount Veeder - Wine Region of the Day

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MOUNT VEEDER

Photo of the Mount Veeder wine region by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

Mount Veeder received its designation as an AVA in 1993 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 15,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains, the steep mountain face gives the vines the benefits of more direct sunlight and better drainage. Mount Veeder has high elevation and volcanic soil that imparts the region's distinctive flavor characteristics of eucalyptus, herbs, and florals. Given its proximity to the Los Carneros region, Mount Veeder benefits from the cool fog and ocean breezes off the San Pablo Bay. The cool and moderate climate on Mount Veeder extends the growing season and produced fruit that is well rounded and balanced in its acidity. The region is known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Diamond Mountain District - Wine Region of the Day

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DIAMOND MOUNTAIN DISTRICT 

Photo of the Diamond Mountain District by David Toomey for Qorkz. 

The Diamond Mountain District received its AVA designation in 2001. The region sits on 5,000 acres and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located in the Mayacamas Mountains, Diamond Mountain's unique feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley. The higher elevation allows the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit. Given the warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes, the area has a significant diurnal temperature variation. The region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Hames Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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HAMES VALLEY

Photo of the Hames Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.

The Hames Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1994 and is situated on 10,240 acres in Monterey County in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The Hames Valley soil is shale and loam. The regions has the largest diurnal temperature swing of any AVA in Monterey County. The grapes are exposed to a great deal of sunlight during the day, and receive some of the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean breezes in the evenings. The region is best known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

2012 Humanitas Cabernet Franc - Product Of The Day

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Oft overlooked, occasionally maligned, but ever adored around here, the Cabernet Franc variety is shown off in its full glory when grown in Willy's Vineyard. There's something seductive about this wine, from its aromas of cinnamon, clove and worn leather to its soft, full mouthfeel and imposing structure. We love the way dusty tannins can melt into tantalizing flavors of cherry cola wiping our sorrows away. Charles Mingus is playing in the background, the aromas of a beautiful meal are wafting in from the kitchen, I'm on my second glass, and I'm pretty sure life doesn't get much better than this.

Composition: 92% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot
Appellation: 92% Chiles Valley, 8% Rutherford
Aging: 20 months in 30% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.1% abv
Harvest Date: October 26, 2012

Taste With Winery Owner Judd Wallenbrock 

Varietal Of The Week

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Cabernet Franc

THE GRAPE

Known as one of the noble grapes of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc was originally produced to be blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot particularly in the Libournais (right bank of the Dordogne River).  It was introduced into the Loire by Cardinal Richelieu where it is used to produce the famous rosés and reds of that region. Known for its ability to tolerate cool weather climates it can be found in traditional wine regions such as France, Italy, Spain, California and Australia but also in Bulgaria, Canada, Hungary, Illinois, Michigan, New York, South Africa and Virginia.

THE WINE

Wines produced by Cabernet Franc run the gamut of flavors and types.  From bold reds with flavors of cassis and tobacco, violets and bell peppers in warmer climes to lighter reds and rosés with flavors of strawberries and raspberries in cooler areas.  Cab Franc is also used to make sparkling rosés in the Loire.

PERFECT PAIRINGS

 Because of its versatility, Cabernet Franc can be paired with a host of different foods.  The bigger, bolder reds of the warmer climes match well with grilled meats and game, which the lighter reds and rosés are good choices with chicken, seafood and soft cheese.

Shop Cabernet Franc In The Qorkz Marketplace 

Oft overlooked, occasionally maligned, but ever adored around here, the Cabernet Franc variety is shown off in its full glory when grown in Willy's Vineyard. There's something seductive about this wine, from its aromas of cinnamon, clove and worn leather to its soft, full mouthfeel and imposing structure. We love the way dusty tannins can melt into tantalizing flavors of cherry cola wiping our sorrows away. Charles Mingus is playing in the background, the aromas of a beautiful meal are wafting in from the kitchen, I'm on my second glass, and I'm pretty sure life doesn't get much better than this.

Composition: 92% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot
Appellation: 92% Chiles Valley, 8% Rutherford
Aging: 20 months in 30% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.1% abv
Harvest Date: October 26, 2012

This wine is exclusively available for residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming or those with a California based wine locker.