KISS GÁBOR | Cabernet Franc | 2021
cabernet franc
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Today we are going to review a single-varietal cabernet franc wine from the warm Villány appellation situated in the south of Hungary – Cabernet Franc 2021 by Kiss Gábor. 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. In order to add a layer of extra complexity to the final wine, but at the same time, to preserve the varietal characteristics of the cabernet franc grapes, this wine has been aged only for 4 months in big, 500-liters, used french oak barrels, while the grapes for this wine were sourced mostly from the Boczor vineyard. 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-pale ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim
//Olfactory
intensity: rich & fruity-earthy
fruit character: ripe
On the nose this wine offers a burst of ripe black fruits, with notes of dark cherry, aronia berry, and cassis leading the charge. These aromas are intertwined with subtle earthy hint of charcoal, black soil dust, and pencil leads, adding a touch of complexity and suggesting a connection to the wine’s place of origin. In the background, savory notes emerge, offering hints of leather, iron and barn, supported by subtle notes of peppercorn and tonka seeds, adding a spicy intrigue to the overall bouquet. The wine’s expressive aromatic profile is both vibrant and enticing, hinting at a well-structured and potentially age-worthy wine.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: seedy-crisp
The palate opens with a burst of ripe black fruits, mirroring the nose, with notes of blackberry, dark plum, and hints of earth and oak, adding overall complexity. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the ripe tannins that offer a firm and structured mouthfeel, while a pronounced alcoholic warmth adds depth and body, all of that leading to a crisp and slightly seedy aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. This is a well-structured wine with a powerful presence that manages to maintain a sense of balance and sophistication.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential
In conclusion, this is a well structured cabernet franc wine, with a nicely balanced and rich palate, that unveils with its ripe tannins and a seedy-crisp mouthfeel. While it lacks the finesse and elegance of a top-tier Cabernet Franc, the wine showcases a quite nice varietal character and promises a good aging potential. Overall, this is a well-made and nicely balanced cabernet franc wine, that is ready to be enjoyed today, but could also develop additional complexity with additional cellaring time.
//Scoring
KISS GÁBOR | Cabernet Franc | 2021
variety: cabernet franc
country: Hungary
region: Villány
rating: 93.3
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This is definitely a fine wine of Hungary and, with a total of 93.3 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: The wine’s well-structured mouthfeel, with its firm tannins and fruit-forward profile, makes it a perfect companion for a grilled ribeye steak. The wine’s rich and ripe palate can stand up to the marbling of the steak, while its crisp acidity will cut through the fattiness of the meat, creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience. In the same key, the earthy hints in the wine, will complement the chared flavours of the dish, while the seedy aftertaste would complement the robust texture of the meat. For a truly classic pairing, consider adding a side dish of roasted vegetables or sauteed mushrooms. Enjoy!
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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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