Advent Wine Challenge Day 2: Crama Ferdi Cuvee Francisc
Yes, I’ve set myself with this wine a day for Advent challenge (which I already regret) but today is also #CabFranc Day! So, I thought it would be a perfect day to talk about this Romanian Cabernet Franc that I received as a gift.
Advent Day 2
Crama Ferdi Cuvee Francisc, 2021
As the name indicates, this Crama Ferdi wine is a cuvee, not a 100% Cabernet Franc. In this case, the blend includes Cabernet Franc and Merlot aged for 14 months in oak.
Initially, the wine showed vanilla and stewed fruit aromas then slowly unfolded to reveal spice and cola notes. Very smooth on the palace with almost no discernable tannin at all. Surprisingly fresh red fruit flavors of berry and plum shot through with a thread of green bell pepper and spice. Some nice acidity here but it could have used more structure, I thought. Especially when trying to balance 14.5% alcohol.
I don’t know what the Cabernet Franc to Merlot proportions were, but the Cuvee Francisc gave a very Cab Franc impression.
I paired with this chorizo, onion, and spinach stuffed roasted butternut squash. Yum!