Happy Cabernet Day to one of the wines that manages to do it all. Whether you’re starting off in the wine world or a seasoned sommelier, Cabernet based wines find their way onto any palate.
Cabernet is one of the most popular wines in history. The perfect pairing for many meals, the tannins from a Cabernet are known to be delicious alongside rich and hearty dishes.
BC wineries such as TIME Family of Wines (@timewines), Blasted Church(@blastedchurch), Blue Grouse(@bluegrousewines), and Okanagan Crush Pad (@okcrushpad), all boast impressive selections that represent the best of Canadian wines.
Whether you prefer your classic Cabernet varieties or something different such as a Cabernet Merlot from Blasted Church or a Cabernet Franc Rosé from Free Form, there is a Cabernet for every palate.
Try one of these BC wines today:
1. Quill Q Red 2019 - $28.99 online or in select stores and restaurants in BC. This best seller from Vancouver Island is a classic and timeless robust red blend. The 2019 Quill Q Red is made with 46% Cabernet Franc, 34% Merlot and 20% Marechal Foch. A reliable wine that consistently delivers time after time. Juicy and slightly herbaceous, expect to find medium tannins.
2. Blasted Church Cabernet Franc 2020 - $32.00 online or in select stores in BC. Blasted Church takes its winemaking very seriously and prides itself on its process. After 21 days on skins, the free-run wines then drain directly into barrels for fermenting. Out of the 100% French oak barrels, 9% of the barrels were new, 64% third fill and 27% neutral. Enjoy this wine with braised meats and roasted vegetables for a delicious meal.
3. Blasted Church Cabernet Merlot 2018 - $34.00 online or in select stores in BC. Not only were the grapes for this wine hand-picked, but each lot was harvested separately at its optimal balance of sugar, acidity, and tannic ripeness. With its notes of dark fruit and dried herbs leading to a beautifully textured mid-palate, the tannins assist in a well-balanced finish.
4. Narrative Cabernet Franc 2018 - $30.00 online or in select stores in BC. Coming from the Okanagan, the Cabernet Franc grapes were sourced from organic vineyards in Kaleden and Osoyoos. After fermentation, the wine was then aged in concrete tanks for 10 months before going into bottle.
5. Free Form Cabernet Franc 2019 - $44.99 online or in select stores in BC. Perfectly enjoyable to drink now, but reward future you by allowing this wine to age, for tasty nuances to develop. The flavours of dark plums and black berry fruits are hit with a smoky note of rich mocha.
6. Free Form Cabernet Franc Rosé 2019 - $28.99 online or in select stores in BC. Certified Organic Cabernet Franc from the Osoyoos region presents this rendition of Cabernet Franc Rosé. Exhibiting red berry aromatics, expect to experience a mildly sweet and savoury wine with some light acidity.
7. Chronos 2019 Ouroboros - $84.99 online or in select stores in BC. For those who are looking for something more elevated, the Chronos 2019 Ouroboros (symbol for infinity, in this case, internal enjoyment) is perfect. With a small amount of this fruit brought in from a terraced vineyard, this wine was made with care and precision. Comprised of 49% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc and 24% Syrah, expect notes and flavours of blackberry, raspberry, and cocoa.
Evolve 2018 Momento - $24.99 online or in select stores in BC. Approachable, this wine had been separately aged in American and French oak for 14 months before being blended. Perfectly representing the versatility of Cabernets, this red blend received daily pump-overs of Cabernet Franc for its post ferment maceration to further soften tannins.