Colorado Cabernet Franc is a Revelation.
You probably know Cabernet Franc as the quiet supporting actor in Bordeaux blends, overshadowed by its famous offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon. Most people do.
That's often because traditional Bordeaux Cab Francs tend to be lean, earthy, and herbal, with fruit notes taking a backseat to minerality and green spice. They're not the fruit-forward wines many American palates gravitate towards.
In the Colorado climate, Cabernet Franc takes on a completely different character.
Over 300 days of intense Rocky Mountain sun, combined with sharp day-to-night temperature swings, allow the grapes to ripen fully without accumulating excess sugar.
This means the fruit stays fresh, not jammy, and the natural acidity keeps the wine crisp and lively. Instead of an herbal bomb, you get a juicy, deep red that maintains the variety's subtle depths.
People always tell me how hard it is to find a pure Cabernet Franc. Truthfully that's because most Americans don't like the traditional style. If you've been searching for one or just want to explore something new, Colorado Cab Franc will give you an expression you didn't know you were looking for.
That's often because traditional Bordeaux Cab Francs tend to be lean, earthy, and herbal, with fruit notes taking a backseat to minerality and green spice. They're not the fruit-forward wines many American palates gravitate towards.
In the Colorado climate, Cabernet Franc takes on a completely different character.
Over 300 days of intense Rocky Mountain sun, combined with sharp day-to-night temperature swings, allow the grapes to ripen fully without accumulating excess sugar.
This means the fruit stays fresh, not jammy, and the natural acidity keeps the wine crisp and lively. Instead of an herbal bomb, you get a juicy, deep red that maintains the variety's subtle depths.
People always tell me how hard it is to find a pure Cabernet Franc. Truthfully that's because most Americans don't like the traditional style. If you've been searching for one or just want to explore something new, Colorado Cab Franc will give you an expression you didn't know you were looking for.
