Whats Behind the Vines?

As all our wine fans out there know, we have decided to plant 30 Cabernet Franc and 30 Vidal Blanc vines in the coming week. But many do not know much about the varieties or what they might expect from their taste and aroma.

After consulting with several successful area vintners, we bought our vines from Double A. Vinyard in upstate New York. They supply just about ever variety you can think of on just about every popular rootstock. Based on the heartiness and growing region we decided to go with our two "starter" varieties mentioned above. By comparing with local growers and taking soil samples, we decided these were the two best varieties that would be hearty enough to survive the seasonal temperature swings and give a large enough yield after a few years of growth. In using vines grafted onto 101-14 rootstock we hope to avoid the onset of disease and overhydration of the roots. Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc would also allow us to test our winemaking skills with both a white and red wine variety.

Vidal Blanc is a hybrid of Ugni Blanc and Rayon d'Or that was designed to by a French Breeder, Jean Louis Vidal in the 1930's. For vineyards in Cognac, the Charente region of France, this vine produced a fruity wine with Pineapple and Grapefruit notes. Its winter hardiness has allowed it now to be cultivated as far north as Canada and often is used to produce ice wines. It's sweeter, acidic and fruity nature make it an ideal dessert wine but can be served with light fare.

Cabernet Franc is a major variety grown in the Bordeaux region of France and is used primarily for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It can be vinified alone, often in Chinon in Loire and had been used as an ice wine in Canada. The variety dates back to before the 18th Century and is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon but is lighter in taste and smell. It is a bright pale red wine with aromas of tobacco, raspberry and cassis.

As the vines grow we plan to keep the blog updated with photos and growth developments over the next months and years.