Corkscrew Chronicles: Cabernet Franc — The 'Other' Cabernet | Chronicle Telegram While most red wine drinkers are intimately familiar with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc (cab'-bair-nay' frawnk) is less well-known. Originating in Aquitaine and now grown globally, it is a parent to the Bordeaux grapes cabernet Sauvignon, merlot and carmenere.

While most red wine drinkers are intimately familiar with cabernet sauvignon, cabernet Franc (cab'-bair-nay'fFrawnk) is less well-known. Originating in Aquitaine and now grown globally, it is a parent to the Bordeaux grapes Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot and carmenere. Lighter in color, tannin and acidity than cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc can exhibit finesse and elegant flavors of raspberry, dark fruit, herbs and bell pepper. Often used as a blending grape to add suppleness and aromatic complexity to Bordeaux varietals, its earlier ripening cycle and maturation has fostered great interest in single varietal bottlings. In Ohio, cabernet franc is an important grape due to its production of quality, ripe, flavorful red wines in our shorter, cooler growing season. Its early drinkability, lovely aromatics, softer approachable structure, style variations and elegant restraint attracts wine lovers of all tastes. Listed are some Ohio choices for investigation: Grand river valley Baci Winery 2024 ($40) — Medium ruby. Intense ripe cherry aromas, hints of cedar and mint. Moderate, integrated tannins. Long and lush. Balanced background of toasty oak. Complex styling. Debonné Vineyards 2023 ($15) — 5 percent cabernet sauvignon. Very quaffable style. Medium ruby hue. black cherry nose with juicy, dark fruit notes and mild tannins, balanced acidity. Ferrante Winery "Signature Series" 2024 ($27) — Moderate ruby hue. Boysenberry, pretty dark cherry/plum nose and flavors, hints of mineral. Moderate tannins, elegant and balanced. Ferrante Winery ice wine 2025 ($50 — 375ml) — Pale rose hue. Maraschino cherry and mineral overtones. Rich sweetness (23 percent residual sugar) with balanced acidity. Unctuous and textured. Grand River Cellars 2022 ($19) — Medium ruby hue. Darkly fruited with ripe aromas, smooth textures and long flavors. Balanced tannins and acidity with hints of cherry and mixed berries. Laurello Vineyards Reserve 2021 ($30) in tank. Attractive nose of oak and dark fruit. Rich and smooth, gentle tannins, balanced acidity. Looking forward to its release. Laurentia Vineyard and Winery 2021 ($50) — Moderate ruby. Blackberry and prominent toasty oak nose and flavors. Balanced. Elegant fruit, body and acidity with evident tannins. M Cellars Estate 2023 ($29) — Medium dark ruby. Really pretty dark fruit, tart cherry and strawberry nuances, a ripe structure of tannins. Elegant acidity with excellent overall balance. M Cellars Reserve 2024 ($35) — Deeper hue than the '23 with deep, dark, ripe fruit. Elegant, full flavors. Balanced, youthful tannins and acidity. Lovely now, excellent future potential. South River Vineyard 2024 ($28) — Neutral oak-aged for expressive fruit. Dark ruby. Deep, ripe, black cherry fruit notes, hint of herbs. Supple tannins, subdued acidity, lingering finish. Lake Erie Klingshirn Winery ($19.25) — Medium ruby hue with blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry fruit, refreshing acidity and moderate tannins. Fresh, clean and long. Vermilion Valley Vineyards 2022 ($32) — Moderate dark ruby with notes of pretty, black fruit. Balanced. Firm acidity and ripe tannins finishing softly dry with lingering flavors. Ohio Heron Creek Wine 2024 ($22) — Lovely ruby robe. Attractive fruit aromas of jammy blackberry and blueberry. Cleanly made. Balanced acidity, moderate tannins and lingering finish. Heron Creek Wine "Bourbon Barrel-Aged" ($25) — Lighter nose and color than the previous release. Blackberry/caramel-oak nuances grow with airing. Decant for maximum enjoyment. Visit our local wineries and find your favorites! Woof, Wag & Wine trail — supporting local animal rescues. During the remainder of June, Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, Debonné Vineyards and Cask 307 Winery are offering a Grand River Valley Dog-Friendly Food & Wine Experience. For $35 per person, two wine samples, an appetizer and a dog treat will be provided at each winery. One bandana per dog is also available at Grand River Cellars. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit grandrivercellars.com/events. Gary Twining is a certified wine educator who worked 34 years in the wholesale fine wine industry. Email him at winingwithtwining@hotmail.com.