BAHU WINERY | Cabernet Franc | Barrique | 2021
cabernet franc
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Founded with a deep-rooted passion for grapevines and wine production, the Bahu Winery embodies a legacy of craft and care in the winemaking process. The winery’s commitment starts in the vineyard, where meticulous attention to every detail during grape growing and harvesting preserves what nature had to offer. This artisanal approach ensures that each bottle encapsulates the expression of both, the land and the people who respect its ancestral traditions.
Today we are going to review a single-varietal cabernet franc wine from Bahu village that is situated in the Codru wine region of Moldova – Cabernet Franc Barrique 2021 by Bahu Winery. 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 soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity, the wine has been aged in oak barriques, with some extra time in the bottle.
The Codru wine region has a moderate, relatively cool climate and a diverse array of loamy and clay soils, providing an ideal environment for grape growing, especially well suited for white grape varieties. The altitude and microclimate of this wine region boasts moderate rainfall and is influenced by the Carpathian cool winds as well as the Black Sea breezes. The region is characterized by its fertile chernozem soil and a continental climate, with warm summers and mild winters, promoting healthy vine growth and aiding in balanced water supply while the clay and limestone elements add a layer of mineral complexity.
color: medium-pale garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim
In the glass, this wine exhibits a medium to pale garnet color, revealing hazy garnet shades at the rim of the glass.
intensity: rich & herbal
fruit character: underripe
The olfactory profile is rich and savory, showcasing an intriguing blend of aromas. The foreground features distinct herbal notes with cherry tomato, wormwood, and red bell pepper complementing the red fruit essence of red plum and redcurrant. In the background, one can detect earthy contributions of damp clay, beetroot, and moist wood, creating a quite rustic bouquet.
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium- | balance: fair
finish: medium- | aftertaste: tart
On the palate, the wine unveils a fair yet simple mouthfeel, perhaps indicative of its rustic nature. It is characterized by some hints of residual sugar, with exuberant acidity and a touch of alcoholic warmth. The green tannins create a notably seedy-acrid texture, resulting in a tart aftertaste. While the wine lacks complexity and intensity, it encapsulates the artisanal style indicative of the winery.
maturity: developing | drink now or within a year
verdict: fair | acceptable yet simple | a decent wine that lacks character and structure
All in all, this is a wine that is in a developing state, suggesting that while it can be enjoyed today, its optimal enjoyment peaks within a year from now. The overall assessment reveals a wine that feels flat yet possesses a rustic charm, hinting at the potential for greater expression with some additional time.
BAHU WINERY | Cabernet Franc | Barrique | 2021
variety: cabernet franc
country: Moldova
region: Codru
rating: 89.0
Consider pairing this wine with grilled lamb skewers infused with herbs, as the herbal characteristics of the wine echo the flavorful grilled meats, creating a delightful contrast and complementarity for the palate.
As a family-owned winery in the heart of the Codru region of Moldova’s artisanal wine’s production, Bahu Winery prides itself on producing quality wines that reflect their unique terroir and local traditions.
© 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. Cheers!
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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.
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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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