Cabernet Franc – the Next Big Thing?
Cabernet Franc is an ancient variety with a long history of cultivation in Europe. It was long speculated that it originated in the Basque country in the western Pyrenees, with recent DNA analysis demonstrating that it is the offspring of two very old varieties that originated from Northern Spain. From these origins, the path of Cabernet Franc is very hard to trace; being an old variety it has a long list of synonyms and as a result it is difficult to chart where and when it was planted.
Cabernet Franc found a home in Bordeaux where it was widely planted in the 1960’s before being displaced somewhat by the more fashionable merlot. In the Médoc and Graves in Bordeaux, cabernet franc ripens earlier and more dependability than cabernet sauvignon and contributes floral notes, acidity and finesse to the finished blend. In the warmer right bank in St-Émilion and Pomerol, cabernet franc is believed to ripen more reliably in the cooler, inland soils and often dominates the finished wine.
Cabernet Franc also found its way to the Loire Valley, a cool climate region where in the regions of Chinon and Bourgueil, a single varietal wine is produced. The wines here tend to be lighter in body, with lighter tannins and floral, red fruit flavours. With the lower tannins and high acid, the wines can often have a silky texture and be very drinkable.
Cabernet Franc arrived in Australia with James Busby’s collection of vines in 1832 and rapidly found its role as part of a Bordeau blend with cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec. At Squitchy Lane this was the role that cabernet franc was assigned with the vineyard specifically planted to produce a cabernet blend, reflecting the taste at the time.
In outstanding years, Squitchy Lane produces a varietal cabernet franc from our mature vineyard. The cooler climate and the specific site at Squitchy Lane have proved to be very well suited to growing outstanding fruit. While extensive care is required in the vineyard and crop levels are kept low, it is the sheltered site and abundant sunshine that are critical to producing exceptional fruit.
The 2024 Limited Release has drawn lavish praise from a number of wine critics.
“Squitchy Lane is the love child of football great and Rhodes scholar Mike Fitzpatrick. Just like his career(s) he does things differently with his wine label, championing Cabernet Franc from the Yarra Valley. This wine launches into the glass with black cherries, blackcurrants, violets, lavender, and a hint of spearmint. As it breathes, sweet cinnamon spice and freshly baked, vanilla scented, chocolate cake delights. In the mouth, more berries are added to the buffet with cranberries red currants and blackberries joining in. It has the potential to be a crowd pleaser with its medium body, fine chalky tannins and crunchy Heirloom apple acidity; making food pairing a breeze from simple charcuterie or pizza to luscious roast duck or pork belly (with crackling, of course!). But it’s more than that. For those that like to linger and ponder, layers are revealed, in the same way Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley behave (the variety’s signature region). Having tried multiple vintages now of Squitchy Lane’s Cabernet Franc, there’s no question in my mind that they are quietly leading the way in Australia with this variety. Only 70 dozen made – don’t miss out!”
Nicole Bilson – Wine Pilot
“The tightrope walk of dark fruits and herbal nuances find a good home here. Perfumed and lively with black cherry, green olive, violet florals, leafy herbal nuance – bouquet and palate in accord. Medium bodies, or just shy of that, a filagree of lacy tannin, a cool blood orangezip through the finish, Delightful drinking, and quite a serious wine.”
Mike Bennie – Wine Business Monthly
“Woah! Give this Squitchy Lane Cabernet Franc a decant and you’re in business as it unfurls into a wine with poise and silky pleasure.On opening, it showed typical herbal and leafy varietal characters, but a day on this is a different wine entirely. The savoury elements have meshed with the fruit, and it carries itself with an elegance and sheen. Seeing French oak for 15 months (35% new), embrace blackcurrants, blackberries, Mint Pattie chocolate delish and dried Mediterranean herbs. Blackberry pastilles cling to a sustained finish with fine cocoa-like tannins offering plenty to consider. Give it some more bottle age or a good decant if drinking now, and you’ll be in business.”
Steve Leszczynski – QWine Review
