BODEGA FOSTER LORCA | Lorca | Poético | Cabernet Franc | 2018
cabernet franc

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Today we are going to review a single varietal cabernet franc wine that comes from Argentina‘s most famous wine-growing region, the mighty Mendoza – Lorca Poético Cabernet Franc 2018 by Bodega Foster Lorca. The ‘other cabernet’ grape, cabernet franc is the parent grape for the two famous varieties: cabernet sauvignon and merlot. It is less intense and softer than cabernet sauvignon and it ripens much earlier, while it is also much more resistant to winter cold and frost than merlot. One thing that makes cabernet franc unique is that it can’t hide its nature – it has always been a bit more peppery, more savory and leaner than its pedigree children, due to the higher levels of pyrazines (which is an aromatic organic compound) inherited by the variety’s DNA. The grapes for today’s wine are sourced from the Finca Los Altepes vineyards, situated in the Valle de Uco sub-region of Mendoza, planted at 1250 meters altitude on alluvial chalk-rich soils. In order to add a layer of extra complexity to the final wine, it has been aged for 12 months in french (75%) and amercian (25%) oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe & overripe

This wine’s first impression is quite unexpected for a Mendoza cabernet franc. Savory aromas take center stage, offering hints of cured meat, old leather, iron and even barnyard or horse saddle. These aren’t unpleasant, but rather delicate and rustic, offering the wine a sense of place and origin. Peeking through that savory layer, notes of ripe black fruits emerge, like blackberry, dark cherry and black plum, with a dusty and overripe character. The influence of oak barrels becomes evident in the background, adding subtle hints of tobacco and toasted oakwood. On top of that, spicy undertones, with hints of peppercorn and cloves, and subtle earthy notes of clay and loam, add an extra layer of sophistication to the wine’s already complex aromatic profile.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: pleasantly-seedy

The palate follows the nose, with the wine’s savory character taking center stage. The oak influence translates from the nose to the palate as well, adding toasty notes that provide flavour complexity, while the wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit nicely, keeping it lively. The tannins are ripe and fine-grained, giving the wine a firm structure without being harsh. A touch of alcoholic warmth is present but integrates fairly well with the other elements, adding depth and structure. All that will form a pleasantly-seedy aftertaste, thus building a firm and rich mouthfeel, with a touch of austerity that hints at the wine’s potential for further development.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 5 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a well-crafted cabernet franc wine that displays the footprints of the Mendoza terroir. The emphasis on savory character and prominent oak influence suggest a dusty wine that combines the philosophy of both, the old and the new world, yet this is a wine that currently lacks the finesse and elegance typically associated with top-tier Mendoza wines. Its slightly austere mouthfeel hints that this wine could benefit from additional cellaring to allow all its elements to fully integrate and round up those slightly sharp edges. All in all, this cabernet franc offers a genuine tasting experience, especially for those wine enthusiasts who appreciate the savory expression of this grape variety, linked to the local terroir.

//Scoring
BODEGA FOSTER LORCA | Lorca | Poético | Cabernet Franc | 2018
variety: cabernet franc
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 94.0

//Prediction
predicted RP rating: 91+
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This is definitely a great wine of Argentina and, with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Due to the wine’s pronounced savory character, balanced by crisp acidity, ripe tannins, and a touch of warmth from alcohol, it would be perfectly suited for a bold and flavorful dish like for example a grilled black angus steak. The richness of the steak would stand up well to the firm tannins and will complement the savory character of the wine, while the wine’s crisp acidity would cut through the silky fat of the meat. In the same key, the black fruit notes and terroir hints in the wine would complement the earthy flavors of the steak, allowing the wine’s unique savory character to shine through, while also enhancing the richness and grilled character of the black angus steak, to create a genuine argentinian tasting experience. Enjoy!

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