Tri-City Herald Northwest Wine
October 16, 2018

Cabernet Franc is best known as one of the six classic Bordeaux varieties, and it has become a favorite among Washington winemakers not only as a blending grape but also as a reliable friend of vineyard managers.

Grown in the Evergreen State for many decades, it is known as a hardy variety that can withstand the occasionally harsh winters that descend upon the Columbia Valley.

Cabernet Franc also is known as a late ripener, meaning it can hang in the vineyards nearly until Halloween. Winemakers appreciate Cab Franc often as a blending component because its softer tannins can help bring some finesse to the bold tannin structures of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The grape’s natural notes of black pepper and fresh herbs are known to add a level of complexity to proprietary red wines.>>>Read the entire article featuring Woodinville’s Columbia Winery and Wit Cellars on Tri-City Herald by Andy Perdue & Eric Degerman