BODEGA DE ARTE | Claroscuro | Cabernet Franc | 2020
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 – Claroscuro Cabernet Franc 2020 by Bodega de Arte. 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 Vista Flores vineyard, situated in the Valle de Uco sub-region of Mendoza, planted at 1050 meters altitude on sandy and loam-rich soils. In order to add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, but at the same time to preserve the varietal characteristics of the cabernet franc grapes, part of the wine (30%) has been aged in oak barrels at first and second use, while the vast majority of the final wine (70%) was stored in stainless steel tanks. But enough with all that theory, 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: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbal
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
On the first nose the wine reveals a captivating interplay of ripe and dehydrated fruits. Red fruits take center stage, offering a nuanced dance of cranberries, redcurrants and plums, complemented by nuanced hints of dried herbs like oregano and bay leaf, thus adding an intriguing layer of complexity. Some subtle earthy undertones emerge in the background, hinting at pencil lead, marl and clay that subtly interwoven with notes of sun-dried oakwood, rooibos tea and tobacco, creating a captivating aromatic profile.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: bitter-seedy
While the nose offered a captivating aroma, the palate reveals a different story. Initially the palate reflects the promised ripe and dehydrated fruit notes of red currants, plums and cranberries, with intriguing hints of dried herbs like thyme and oregano, yet the enjoyment is hampered by the wine’s structure. The acidity falls flat, lacking the necessary vibrancy, while the seedy tannins create a slightly rough and astringent mouthfeel, further accentuated by a nuanced touch of alcoholic warmth. The finish is dominated by a bitter-seedy aftertaste, leaving to a slightly disjointed tasting experience.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs time | drink now or in the next 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
While the wine displays some typicity expected from a cabernet franc grape variety, with its core of red fruit flavors and earthy undertones, the structural elements and the overall tasting experience is hampered by a lack of harmony. The palate reveals itself as slightly austere, angular and unpolished, with flat acidity and coarse tannins, lacking the verve and balance needed to truly shine, ending with a bitter-seedy aftertaste. While this wine might benefit from further bottle aging to soften and round up its edges, in its current state, it lacks the finesse and balance needed to truly impress.
//Scoring
BODEGA DE ARTE | Claroscuro | Cabernet Franc | 2020
variety: cabernet franc
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Uco Valley
rating: 92.5
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This is definitely a fine wine of Argentina and, with a total of 92.5 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: Judging by the wine’s angular nature and herbal flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a hearty, charcuterie-driven dish, like for example grilled sausages or braised lamb shanks with rosemary and garlic. The richness and savory notes of the meat will stand up to the wine’s seedy tannins and that slightly bitter aftertaste. In the same key, the herbal notes of rosemary and thyme in the dish will echo those nuanced hints of dried herbs of the wine, thus creating a harmonious connection. This pairing will highlight the wine’s rustic nature, allowing its unpolished character to be complemented by the meat, rather than trying to mask its shortcomings. Cheers!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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