Cabernet Franc is one of the major black grape varieties worldwide. It is blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone, Most famously in the Loire.  Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex reds result, with aromas of raspberry, bramble, and bell pepper.  At the moment at Madrona Wine we have six examples from the Loire, two from Friuli, and one from Washington state.

2017 Domaine les Pins, Bourgueil  $15
Rich ruby red with notes of violets and red berry fruits, this Cabernet Franc is nicely layered on the palate with brightness running throughout and just a touch of smoke mixed in with some purple fruits. Soft waves of mineral with a nice soft tannin make this a true delight to drink. Domaine les Pins has been family run for five generations.

2018 Château Minière, Bourgueil  $16
Red wine of young vines, made in stainless steel, the nose is very expressive with aromas of red fruits. On the palate the wine is very soft but well structured. Long and very aromatic finish with hints of red fruits and pepper.  Organic

2019 Arnaud Lambert, Saumur Clos Mazurique  $19
Rich cab franc showed ripe fruit flavors of berry and cassis with hint of spice. Lovely with wild boar Ragú. Balanced in the mouth, soft tannins and nice finish.
organic

2016 Domaine Nerleux, Saumur Champigny Clos des Chatains  $18
Amélie Neau is the 9th generation of Domaine de Nerleux (Black Wolves in Old French) . Her Clos des Chatains shows a beautiful nose of black fruits, blueberry, elderberry, cherry with brandy. In the mouth there are lots of flavors of kirsch, elderberry and a slight bitterness. A traditional style in a generous vintage.

2017 Couluta, Cabernet Franc  $20
Don’t let the Cabernet on the label fool you– this is Cabernet Franc from Friuli.  The fragrance grassy with a hint of raspberry and blackberry. The flavor is grassy, dry and tangy, vanillaed.  Very pleasing.

2016 Tranche, Cabernet Franc  $35
Floral and herbaceous on the nose with lifted aromas of rose petal, lilac and sage. The wine plush and dense on the palate, layered with dark, seductive flavors of blueberry, licorice and cassis. Herbaceous notes of fennel, black tea and tobacco combine with soft, fleshy tannins and a graphite-like minerality.