Cabernet Franc is Ontario’s top red wine. Putting my mouth where my money is or is it putting my money where my mouth is?
The Sparta Moraine isn’t exactly crammed with wineries just cornfields and a lonely Quai du Vin. What can Quai du Vin do with Cab Franc?
Aroma: Ah yes those bright and expressive cherries and mocha really are hall marks of Ontario Cabernet Franc. As a bonus rich blackberry and yes like a Chilean Carménère a solid streak of ripe raspberries.
Palate: A beautiful combination of raspberry and cherry with tannins hovering on the heavy side. Acidity is well under control and well integrated into the wine which was aged 22 months in a combination of French and American oak.
Cellarbility: I think the wine is going to age and improve into 2027.
Personality: I am an excellent Cabernet Franc that would appeal to all drinkers on the wine knowledge scale. I make both Sparta and St. Thomas proud. Long live Elgin County!
Food Match: I agree with the label which states the wine is an ideal companion to red meats, roasted vegetables, herb infused sauces and soft cheeses. It would also suit vegetarian chili with Elgin County veggies particularly field tomatoes and the region’s beautiful, sweet corn. It would also suit my very own perch and pickerel chowder (cream and tomato based) with both these fish available super super fresh from Golem Fisheries in Port Stanley! Quai du Vin is about twenty minutes from Port Stanley on the Lake Erie coast.
Price: $20 CDN. Best to order from the winery.
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 93/100.
(Quai du Vin 2019 Cabernet Franc, Ontario VQA, Quai du Vin Estate Winery, St. Thomas, Ontario, 750 mL, 13.4%)
A Bird's Eye View of Fashion, Food, Travel, Culture, Beverage and Curiosity 