Top Canadian Cabernet Francs

The best cabernet francs at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards

(47 entries, 29 medals)

The number of cabernet franc entries was up this year, and the medal ratio was higher, as well — with Ontario taking 17 medals and B.C., 12. And, this year, there were three golds, last year none. It is sweet revenge for the grape globally viewed as a bit of an ugly duckling, but nurtured in Canada as a hardy, early-ripening variety suitable to our shorter season. “Possibly the most interesting of the stand-alone Bordeaux varieties,” said Toronto's John Szabo, after tasting the 10 wines pushed through the cab franc final round. “Many elegant, refined wines with characteristic and welcome herbal and floral notes.” Added Tony Aspler: “It's Canada’s leading red variety.”

Below is a slideshow with tasting notes for the gold medal cabernet franc winners at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.

A complete list of the silver and bronze medal winners can be found on the last slide in the slide show.