Warwick Estate Cabernet Franc

Wine information: Warwick Estate remains a family run and owned winery. Managing Director Michael Ratcliffe is the 3rd generation family member to oversee this high quality boutique operation that has been lauded globally for excellence and consistency. Warwick Estate has a long history. It was known as the De Goede Sukses Farm from 1771 until 1902 when it was bought by Colonel William Alexander Gordon, Commanding Officer of the Warwickshire regiment decided against returning to England and bought the farm. He renamed it ‘Warwick’ as a tribute to his regiment. Stan Ratcliffe bought the estate on April 1st 1964 after a search for the best vineyard sites in the the Cape. Together with his new bride Norma , they soon realized the potential of the extraordinary property and began planting Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines produced high quality grapes, which were soon in demand from neighbouring wineries. Norma became more and more interested in the making of wine and began to study the subject. Soon a cellar was in place and in 1984 the first ‘legal’ Warwick vintage was released (a Cabernet Sauvignon). It seemed Norma had the talent for making great wines and production soon increased. 100% Cabernet Franc grapes were hand-picked and the wine fermented dry on the skins. After pressing, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation the wine was racked and further aged in barrel for 24 months. This wine received 60% new oak.

Tasting Notes: Warwick Estate Cabernet Franc shows chocolate flavours on the nose which are rounded off with sandalwood aromas. The well-balanced acidity creates a firm finish that is complemented by luscious and lingering sweetness. Although accessible now this wine will improve with up to 10 years.

Food & Wine match: Try with rare roast of lamb or a rich pork terrine

 
     

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