For this week’s edition of my ‘Wine of the Week’, I present to you a 100% Cabernet Franc from northeastern Italy in Veneto, Tenuta Mosole Cabernet Franc DOC Venezia 2024, which I recently stumbled upon on a recent visit to a new wine shop.
Are you a Cabernet Franc fan? Have you ever tasted one from Italy? Do you like Italian reds or medium-bodied reds? Follow along if you would like to explore different Cab Francs
Because you don’t typically hear about the cool-climate Cab Franc grape from Italia, I was immediately intrigued. It is not too uncommon in the Veneto region as it is in other wine regions of Italy because of the cooler weather, climate conditions, topography, and unique microclimate.
As I mentioned in previous posts, I am always on the hunt for great value wines and hidden gems from across the globe and this fit the bill. This Cab Franc retails at just under $20 USD in Central NY and available online (it is a little over $20 on some sites). An excellent price for an Italian red with a DOC classification and from a reputable producer. Give it a search!
Veneto’s diverse landscapes, rich vinicultural heritage, and proximity to Venice and Adriatic Sea make it a remarkable wine destination. The region is often celebrated for its exceptional wines, including the elegant Soave, the full-bodied Amarone, and the refreshing Prosecco.
You can visit the iconic vineyards of Valpolicella, the serene hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene, and the charming countryside of Colli Euganei, where local wineries invite you to indulge in unforgettable tastings. In addition, you can experience the unique blend of culture, history, and gastronomy that Veneto has to offer.
Veneto is nestled in northeast Italy and famed for its iconic Prosecco alongside a diverse array of indigenous grape varietals such as Garganega (Soave) and Corvina (Valpolicella and Amarone). It is home to historic traditions of winemaking traditions, picturesque vineyards, and ancient villages.
The Veneto wine region accounts for approximately 18% of all the DOC wine in Italy, which ranks in the top three of all regions in Italy.
The Mosole Cabernet Franc is produced in the Lison-Pramaggiore DOC, a unique region of the Venetian plain that overlaps eastern Veneto and western Friuli whose wine production predates Roman times. The Cab Franc vines arrived there at the beginning of the 19th century, immediately becoming a fine wine in the territory.
The characteristic note of hay and black pepper together with the soft tannins on the palate make it an unmistakable wine. The vineyards contribute aromatic compounds and minerality to the wines produced here.
The smokey character of this Veneto Cab Franc can be referred to as ‘Chinon Italiano’, because it tastes like it was produced from Chinon in the Loire Valley of France, a classic CF wine region and home to some of the best CF in the world. Who would have guessed that they would share similar traits?
Its appearance is ruby red with violet hues. The aromas are pleasant with diverse spices and sweet smoke, a basket of red berries, and that typical vegetal nuance, like green pepper.
The palate is driven by more red berry fruit, red currant and dark cherry, with hints of that infamous bell pepper. Crispy black fruit punctuated by fresh herbs and minerality. A full and fruit-forward flavor, medium acidity, soft, medium tannins, well balanced, and a lingering finish.
A stellar pairing for roasted vegetables, roasted meats, like lamb and wild game, barbeque dishes, vegetarian pizza, and charcuterie.
The maceration on the skins is for an average of 8 to 10 days. Fermented in temperature-controlled cement tanks between 24 to 26°C (74 to 76°F) followed by maturation for nine months in cement tanks. The aging potential is 5-7 years till 2029-2031. Serve the wine slightly below room temp at 60-65°F (not too warm).
Tenuta Mosole also produces other reds, like worldly Merlot, Cab Franc/Carmenere blend, Rosso, and traditional whites of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, local whites, Roses, Prosecco, and Brut. Find them online at Winery: IGT and Lison DOC wines in Venice Mosole estate | Mosole and Instagram @tenutamosole. Keep in mind that those sites are in Italian so you will need to translate.
Cheers & Saluti,
Michael Nagy
For questions, feedback, submit a topic, or inquiries, use new email – michael.troy.nagy@gmail.com or DM on Instagram.