Casa Donoso Cabernet Franc Reserva 2003
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Chile |
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Casa Donoso's impressive debut vintage of Cabernet Franc. Our favorite New World Cabernet Franc.
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Release Notes:
Cabernet Franc is responsible for the great red wines of the Loire Valley (Chinon, Bourgeuil, etc.), and is an important grape in blends (especially on the Right Bank with Chateau Cheval Blanc being the greatest example). In the cool, moist Maule Valley, Cabernet Franc can achieve optimal ripeness producing expressive, yet delicate and elegant wines without the stalkiness and austere flavors sometimes found in French examples. This wine is actually a blend of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Merlot (20%) that is partially aged for 12 months in American Oak barrels. 2003 is Casa Donoso's first vintage of Cabernet Franc Reserva and we are very impressed. We are not alone, as this wine was a gold medalist at Chile's Catad'Or Hyatt wine awards.
Tasting Notes:
A dark ruby colored wine with an expressive nose of red fruit, red peppers and a touch of toasted wheat. In the mouth, it has fresh acidity and a medium-bodied palate of peppers and red fruit. The strong, yet elegant tannins are very smooth and lead to a beautiful, smooth finish. A great food wine, this Cabernet is ideal with lean beef dishes, turkey, sausages, and anything prepared on the grill. Drink now through 2009.
Barricas of Casa Donoso.
Winery:
Casa Donoso is a French-owned winery near Talca in the center of the Maule Valley, one of the southernmost Chilean wine regions. Although it is wetter and colder than other regions,... Read more
Country:
Overview
Chile is a country of amazingly diverse landscapes, with over 4,000 miles of South Pacific coastline on one side and the Andes on the other. Cool maritime winds drift across the... Read more
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