Washington vs. The World: Cabernet Franc

This month, we turn to Cabernet Franc as we compare wines from Washington with those from around the globe. A parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc is mostly grown in Bordeaux for blending, but also stands alone as a single varietal in the Loire, where it is known as Breton. In the United States, it is still primarily grown for use in Meritage (Bordeaux-style blend). Here in Washington, Cab Franc offers further proof that we can grow just about anything. How does Washington’s Cab Franc compare to one from France?

Washington vs. The World: Dolcetto

Dolcetto is a varietal that’s not on very many people’s radar, especially in Washington. It’s a black wine grape primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. Even though it’s typically a dry wine, the name means “little sweet one,” and they tend to be tannic, fruit-driven wines.

For the first round of Washington vs. The World, two Dolcettos face off. In this corner wearing a white label with a red tree on it, weighing in at 14.0% alcohol: 2006 Cantina del Pino Dolcetto d’Alba from the Piedmont region of Italy. And in this corner, the challenger wearing a white label with a river and bridge, weighing in at 14.2% alcohol: 2007 Kyra Dolcetto from Wahluke Slope.