Franq Rouge Cabernet Franc 2018

William Fèvre Franq Rouge 2014 brings Old World precision to New World energy, showcasing Cabernet Franc in a distinctly Chilean expression. Crafted by the famed Chablis pioneer’s Chilean outpost in Maipo Valley, this red marries French-inspired elegance with ripe, sun-kissed fruit. It’s a characterful, food-friendly wine that overdelivers for its price point and offers a fresh perspective on Cabernet Franc outside its traditional European strongholds.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Franq Rouge shows a deep, vibrant ruby color with a youthful sheen at the rim. The nose is expressive and inviting, with aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, red currant and wild berries layered over notes of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, graphite and a subtle hint of green pepper typical of Cabernet Franc. Gentle oak influence may reveal touches of cedar, baking spice and a faint cocoa edge. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, combining juicy ripe fruit with a refreshing line of acidity that keeps everything precise and lifted. Flavors of dark cherry, cassis and blackberry are intertwined with savory tones of thyme, bay, pencil shavings and a faint floral note—think violets and dried roses. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, giving structure without harshness, and the finish is long, fresh and slightly spicy. This vintage drinks beautifully now but has the balance and backbone to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining additional complexity in the bottle.

Production
Sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Chile’s renowned Maipo Valley, William Fèvre Franq Rouge benefits from a terroir of well-drained alluvial and colluvial soils, with a mix of gravel, sand and clay that encourages deep root growth and natural concentration. The Mediterranean climate, marked by warm, sunny days and cooler nights thanks to Andean influence, allows Cabernet Franc to ripen fully while retaining aromatic freshness and vibrant acidity. Grapes are harvested by hand at optimal maturity to ensure precise selection of healthy, perfectly ripe clusters. In the cellar, the estate follows a French-influenced approach: gentle destemming, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel to protect purity of fruit, and careful extraction via pump-overs. A period of maturation—partly in French oak—adds texture, polish and subtle spice without overwhelming the grape’s varietal character, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and finely balanced.

Food & Serving
This Cabernet Franc is a versatile partner at the table, shining alongside grilled lamb chops, roast chicken with herbs, charcuterie, duck confit, or hearty pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces. It also pairs beautifully with earthy dishes such as mushroom risotto, lentil stews, ratatouille, and semi-hard cheeses like Comté, Manchego or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (around 60–64°F) to highlight both fruit and aromatic nuance. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up, softening the tannins and bringing its herbal, floral and spicy components into clear focus.

Producer
Domaine William Fèvre is best known for its pioneering work in Chablis, where William Fèvre himself helped redefine the region’s reputation for terroir-driven, mineral white wines. Seeking new horizons, the family moved from Burgundy to Chile’s Maipo Valley, drawn by the region’s ideal climate, high-altitude vineyards and extraordinary potential for quality. Though William Fèvre has since retired, the Chilean estate continues to apply rigorous, French-inspired viticultural and winemaking standards—low yields, careful vineyard management and precise cellar work—to local conditions. Some of their vineyards sit as high as 1,000 meters above sea level, allowing them to craft fresh, refined wines, and more recently they have expanded into the cooler Malleco Valley further south. Today, William Fèvre Chile is recognized as an important bridge between Old World savoir-faire and the dynamic energy of the modern Chilean wine scene, consistently producing wines with clarity, balance and a strong sense of place.

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