We’re Releasing Our Graceful, Elegant Cabernet Franc This Saturday

Here in New Jersey, Cabernet to some wine drinkers means one thing – a big, bold, California-style Cabernet Sauvignon.

However, that’s not the only kind of Cabernet out in the wine world – and in New Jersey, it’s also not the one that flourishes. Instead, that title belongs to Cabernet Franc, which we’ll release this weekend at Mount Salem Vineyards.

As opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is subtle, graceful and nuanced. Especially after it’s had a little time to breathe, it often elicits “wows” from our clientele – just as it has since we began growing Cabernet Franc grapes in 2005. This year, we expect nothing less as we celebrate a Cabernet Franc that is among the best we have ever made.

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Which is saying a lot, since Cabernet Franc does prosper here due to our climate (including average temperatures and rainfall) as well as our soil types (since we have a bit of everything in New Jersey.)

After we harvest the grapes, we crush them, ferment them with wild yeast, and press and age them in French oak for at least one year. We don’t use additives, other than a bit of sulfur, and we don’t fine or filter it.

What results is a wine, perhaps best known from the Loire region in France, that pairs perfectly with caramelized proteins, roasted root vegetables, fall garden produce and autumn tree fruits – making it just the wine you’ll want to enjoy this season.

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You wouldn’t be the only one. Already, one of our subscribers has asked us to prepare a vintner’s lunch with a menu that complements Cabernet Franc, and on the day of the wine release, that’s what we’ll deliver.

The private event will enjoy items such as grilled lamb sausage with dollops of garlic, parsley and Dijon; pork loin stuffed with marinated apricots; roasted beets with parsley, carrot and horseradish dressing; and baked apples with crème fraiche.

We’re full of ideas to celebrate our soon-to-be-released Cabernet Franc. Contact us today to subscribe to your own case or plan an event focused on this elegant, supple wine.

Visit Mount Salem Vineyards Saturday at 54 Mt Salem Rd., Pittstown to try our Cabernet Franc, or subscribe to your own case or join our case club by contacting us at 908-735-9359 or mountsalemvineyards.com.