Cabernet Franc 2017 – The Peppery Heart of the Vineyard
Cabernet Franc may be best known as the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, but this ancient grape has a unique personality all its own—fresher, more aromatic, and often more food-friendly. Here in Northern Virginia, Cabernet Franc is not just surviving—it’s thriving.
At Hiddencroft Vineyards, we’ve crafted an estate-grown Cabernet Franc that captures the grape’s trademark peppery spice and red fruit brightness, aged gracefully for over five years in oak barrels. This is a vintage that tells a story—of patience, place, and bold decisions.
Tasting Notes
Our 2017 Cabernet Franc opens with a rush of crushed black pepper, wild herbs, and dried cherries, followed by subtle earthy undertones and just a hint of leather. After 5½ years in barrel, the tannins have softened into velvet, but the wine’s backbone remains firm and structured. It finishes dry and long, with spice lingering on the palate.
This is a rich, peppery, mature red wine—one that rewards slow sipping and thoughtful pairings.
About the Grape: Cabernet Franc’s Journey Through Time
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest cultivated red wine grapes in the world. Thought to have originated in the Basque region of France or northern Spain, it became a foundational grape in Loire Valley wines like Chinon and Bourgueil, and an essential blending component in Bordeaux’s Right Bank wines.
Unlike its offspring Cabernet Sauvignon, which is known for intensity and power, Cabernet Franc is more aromatic, more herbaceous, and often more nimble—with flavors that dance rather than dominate. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it ideal for Virginia’s climate, where harvest-time rainfall can complicate late-season varietals.
Vintage Details – Hiddencroft Vineyards Cabernet Franc (2017)
- Grapes Source & Winemaking: 100% estate-grown | Winemaker: Clyde Housel
- Barrel Time: 5 ½ years in oak
- Bottled: May 10, 2023
- Released: July 21, 2023
- Alcohol: 14%
- Residual Sugar: Dry
- Cellar Recommendation: Drink now through 2033
Food Pairings
Cabernet Franc is famously versatile at the table. This vintage pairs beautifully with:
- Tomato-based dishes, such as pasta with marinara or eggplant parmesan
- Vinegar-based sauces, especially smoky barbecue
- Rich bean dishes, cassoulet, or chili
- Herbed lamb, grilled vegetables, and aged cheeses
Its peppery edge enhances bold flavors without overwhelming them—making it one of the most adaptable red wines in your cellar.
Why Cabernet Franc Matters
Virginia winemakers often call Cabernet Franc “our signature red”—and for good reason. It’s a grape that responds to our soil and weather with grace, producing wines that are refined, expressive, and complex. At Hiddencroft, we let the vintage speak for itself, and this 2017 Cabernet Franc has plenty to say.
Five and a half years in the barrel was no accident—it was an investment in depth, character, and flavor. The result is a wine both familiar and surprising, rooted in history but utterly of this place.
