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Cabernet Franc the “future” for Argentina
Cabernet Franc has a greater future in Argentina than Cabernet Sauvignon according to one of the most respected winemakers in the country.
Catena Zapata’s Alejandro Vigil
Speaking to the drinks business in Mendoza, Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata, said: “Cabernet Franc is the future for Argentina.
“The problem at the moment is that we only have 500 hectares of it planted across the country.
“I’m currently planting 20 hectares at Catena and will plant a further 80 hectares next year – that’s how strongly I believe in the grape.
“This is controversial, but I believe in the potential of Cabernet Franc in Argentina over Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly in high altitude spots in Altamira and Guatallary in Uco Valley in Mendoza,” he added.
Vigil produces two 100% Cabernet Francs for Catena Zapata – Saint Felicien from Lujan de Cuyo and Anglélica Zapata Cabernet Franc Alta from Altamira.
Sebastian Zuccardi, chief winemaker at Familia Zuccardi, echoes Vigil’s sentiments: “I’ve been planting Cabernet Franc recently and I believe it performs better in Argentina than Cabernet Sauvignon,” he told db.
“Our weather conditions are a bit too dry for Cabernet Sauvignon to flourish, though it can work well as part of a blend to give the wine tannic structure and backbone,” he conceded.
Zuccardi was voted Winemaker’s Winemaker of the Year at the Gaucho Argentine Winemaker Awards 2013, which took place in London in September.
it looks like its not just cabernet franc the grape that could settle in Argentina terrain and climate, also Bonarda could be a runner up challenger.
jaime
spanishfinewine.co.uk
I completely agree with Alejandro Vigil, Cabernet Franc is the next big varietal to come out of Argentina. We currently have around 5 strong Cabernet Francs receiving international recognition, it is only a few years until more people recognize the bright future of this varietal!
Cebernet Franc seems pretty interesting. I think this would really make a great impact in Argentina when it comes to wines and winery. This absolutely cool stuff.
In Montequieto we’ve been working with cabernet franc grapes since the beginning of our project in 2001, our favourite variety. All our wines are based in cab franc, we love it!
We will be debuting our 2012 barrel fermented cab franc Fall 2014. Very excited about this wine!