Cabernet Franc from Karnobat, Bulgaria – the pleasant company you have been looking for!
Cabernet Franc is one of the most famous black grape varieties. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but can also be vinified alone, as in the Loire’s Chinon. In the United States it is often used in blends and produced as a varietal.
So how about Eastern Europe and Bulgaria?
Cabernet Franc has been underestimated for a long time and assumed to be the less attractive and flavoured relative of the famous Cabernet Sauvignon. However, not many of us know that through natural genetics Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are actually the parents of the most popular and most planted red grape – Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Cabernet Franc ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and prefers cooler climates where very elegant wines with gentle raspberry, violets and herbal notes are produced. A slight green pepper note may also count as an indicator for this grape which makes it very distinct and should be seen as an advantage by wine makers.
The Cabernet Francs from Bulgaria’s warm Eastern European region have scored great results lately and many masters of wine have pointed out this fact. Single varietal wines from this grape may not be found so often in the Bordeaux region but this new wine region of old Europe, known as the Thracian Valley, may surprise you with some special, fruit forward, elegant wines.
Let’s zoom in and take a look at the Minkov Brothers Winery.
Looking for the balance between tradition and modern winemaking technologies, this winery combines 135 years of experience, beneficial soil, favorable climate and a passion for winemaking!
This 100% Cabernet Franc grown in the moderate climate of the Thracian Valley in Bulgaria spreads its world-class wings and flies! The vineyards neighbor the Black sea region to the east and the famous for aromatic whites Rose valley on north. Compared to the western part of the Thracian valley which is known as the home of the reds, the eastern part allows the wine makers to make whites, rosé, as well as elegant and medium body reds. This is why Cabernet Franc which is a cool-climate-loving varietal finds the best conditions here.
Situated near the town of Karnobat – a historically renowned wine center, the Minkov Brothers Winery combines all factors that would make us expect exceptional wines with constant high quality!
How does this Cabernet Franc taste?
Rich, but not overblown, velvety from its well-ripened fruit and tannins and aromas, with flavours of ripe forest berries, smoke and chocolate. If the wine could speak it would say: “I am not here to bother you and demand all of your attention, but to be that pleasant company you have been looking for!” Enjoy!
Cabernet franc is getting big in Bulgaria. Three wines in TOP 20 for 2016 are made from this grape. No other single grape wine has had this result. So let’s keep our eyes on this combination of quality grapes and interesting regions and enjoy some 2014 “Le Photographe” Cabernet Franc by Minkov Brothers Winery from the Thracian valley, Bulgaria.
