Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery on Old Mission Peninsula in Michigan won the Harding’s Cup at the Michigan Cab Franc Wine Challenge. Twenty-two 2007 vintage Cabernet Francs from 18 Michigan wineries and a winery in the Loire Valley of France entered wines. Coenraad Stassen is the winemaker at Brys Estate. He is one of the talented winemakers we’ve met who went to Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Coenraad is pleased with the win. It shows that Michigan can produce quality vinifera reds along with their award winning whites.

On a personal note, I really do not care for a varietal Cabernet Franc unless it’s a Canadian Icewine. I think the grape is an excellent blending grape. However it is a very versatile grape that grows well in so many different terroirs and it is very popular among winemakers. We have traveled to wineries throughout the country and visited many wineries. In most regions visited, some winemakers are making a varietal Cabernet Franc.

Cabernet Franc is possibly the red vinifera wine that is becoming the identity wine for several states. Michigan and Colorado produce a lot of Cabernet Franc. Several other states are also producing many cases of Cabernet Franc. In my opinion, move over Vidal and give me a case of Cabernet Franc Icewine.

Cheers,
Terry