Helen McGinn We’re back in big jumper season again and honestly, I’m thrilled. Much as I love the feel of sun on skin give me a polo neck, roaring fire and a glass of red any day. Or rather, evening. And when it comes to what’s in my glass I want something properly interesting and delicious. Step forward Cabernet Franc. Originally from France, this grape is a bit like Cabernet Sauvignon but generally lighter-bodied in style and often with a glorious peppery kick. It’s all the rage on the trendiest wine lists given its food-friendly credentials and, thanks to a couple of my favourite Argentinian brands, I’ve got a case of 12 bottles for one of you to enjoy at home. We’ve got two different wines in the case, the gorgeous DV Catena Cabernet Franc Historico and the juicy (and organic) Artesano de Argento Malbec/Cabernet Franc blend. See this week’s reviews below for more details on the wines and if you want to enter just leave a comment on the blog (or KMWC Facebook page or Instagram). We’ll pick a winner next week. Something to look forward to, frankly.
T&Cs: UK residents only. Must be over 18 years old to enter. Competition closes on 25th October 2020 at 11.59pm. The winner will be notified by email and the prize will be sent to the winner after that date.
This post is sponsored by Catena Zapata & Bodega Argento. Visit catenawines.com for more details.
Current red in the rack: DV Catena Cabernet Franc Historico
Price: £10 - Buy From Tesco
The Catena family have been making wine in Argentina since 1902 and they’re really good at it. They make wines with altitude, pioneering the development of vineyards in higher altitude spots across the country. And this wine, made by fourth generation vintner Laura Catena and chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil, really shows off Cabernet Franc’s best side. It’s full of flavour: bold, black fruits with a touch of mint and plenty of spice (it’s been aged in oak barrels for a bit). Best sipped fireside, preferably with a plate of stew in front of you. Fantastic value at the moment too (normally £12).
Current red in the rack: Artesano de Argento Organic Malbec/Cabernet Franc
Price: £10 - Buy From Sainsbury's
Made by Bodega Argento from grapes grown in the Agrelo region in Mendoza, known for producing great Cabernet, this is a clever blend of Argentina’s star red grape Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The result is a dream, all juicy cherry and plum fruit flavours with tannins as soft as velvet slippers. Even better, it’s made from organically grown grapes. What a gem.
I love Cab Franc and was drinking it (mainly Loire) from the fridge for much of Summer but I would love to head into the Winter with some bottles. I’ve never tried a Cab Franc / Malbec blend but I imagine it would be stunning.
Wine and Woolies – the perfect mix!
I’ve never tried Cabernet Franc, but I would love to give it a go. Sounds delicious – and I agree with you about preferring winter!
Love the sound of these. All your recommendations are excellent. I’m working my way through them. A good way to pass these strange times.
Yes please . DV Cantena Malbec is stunning 😍
Yes please, always up for trying a new bottle or six!
Cab franc sounds like the perfect red for these dark nights! Would live to try some 🙂
What’s not to love about this! It’s the perfect time of year for red.
Sounds absolutely delicious – sign me up!
Frankly, Mr. Shankly, since you ask… I’d love to try the Cabernet Franc in my glass! x
Roaring fire, polo neck, red wine (red face!) – sounds like the perfect night in to me!!!
Would love a cheeky glass of the Cab Franc!
Yes please!! I have tried a few recommendations of yours and have never been disappointed 🙂 would like to add these to the list!
Kicking through the autumn leaves then a big casserole with yummy red wine – sounds fab.
I’m a new visitor to your blog but have signed up to receive updates as it’s time I branched out from my usual in offer Malbec. Can’t wait to hunker down this autumn trying some new wines and making the most of the lack of going out.
Thank you!
🍷 I’d love to win this, haven’t tried it before. Love watching you on Saturday Kitchen 🍷🍷
Big fan of Malbec, well to be honest, any good hearty red. 🍷
Red wine and a roaring fire.. what’s not to love about autumn… enforced cost nights indoors. 💖
I love a good jumper even in the summer, much to my family’s amusement!
I sometimes could be persuaded to dress up as Matt Tebbutt for a case if that’s any persuasion? Even though I’m female…whatever….first BIB, now English Vermouth and LSA cocktail glasses. Now I’d really like to sink into a weekend soon with some Argentinians – so loved Malbec for yonks. Curry choice pairing. Yum. Jumpers, fire and Malbec are the best of autumn loveliness. Pleaseandthankyou.
This would be so lovely. I have just completed wset level 1 after years of wanting too be a lovely cozy treat
Cabernet franc sounds delicious , never tried it but would love to add it to the Reds in the Rack xx
Ok so done WSET 1-3 and what I’ve discovered is 1) I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew and, 2) most importantly, the best bottle of wine is the one you like – I LIKE these! Always expanding taste horizons and why not? Chin chin!
Would love to try this… could really do with a glass or two after today… 😉🤞
I’ve literally just finished “winterising” my wardrobe and I’m sooooo happy 🍷😘
You just made me smile. I’ve loved seeing you on Saturday Kitchen. When I found out your insta is Knackered Mother I admired your commitment to good wine even more. I have an 18 month old who isn’t the best sleeper (although thankfully getting better) and I still enjoy my wine
and exploring new ones! Thank you for the enthusiasm and recommendations.
My husband loves a Cab Franc whilst I adore Malbec. Lovely because WINTER IS COMING!
Wine for Argentina, for free? Oooohhh yes please! Love discovering wines from Argentina at the moment, Cab Franc is very under rated.
These sound like perfect winter evening wines, and perfect partners for warming winter food. I did have a giggle about the double-entendre “wines with altitude”.
Oh for a draught of Argentinian vintage! Another log on the fire and fetch my slippers…
Adventurer Malbec is a fave. Never tried Cab Franc but will give it a go!
Let’s be Franc. These reds leave you with Rhett Butler Syndrome.
“Francly my dear, I don’t give a damn!”.🤗
Great time of year to wrap up cozy with a great bottle of red! Love the blog!
I’ve had the Argento, it’s lovely. Not had the Catena Malbec but I’m certainly willing to give it a go! Thanks for signposting some lovely wines I wouldn’t otherwise have tried.
That should have said Catena Cab Franc… not enough caffeine yet….!
Unlike some veterans (and even non-veterans!) of the ‘82 conflict, I’m not one of those who boycotts all things Argentinian! Indeed, I often reach for a bottle of Argentinian Malbec when looking for a reasonably robust red…
Cabernet Franc, you say? Well, KM, I’m game! In fact, I had partridge for supper on Wednesday (it was reduced in Waitrose, and couldn’t resist the £1.85 price tag!) – and I reckon they may have gone nicely together. Throw some Cab Franc at me, and I’ll buy another – reporting back my findings, of course! 😉 Keep safe and well.
Love your recommendations. Not tried this but sounds delicious.
Thank you for helping me with my wine philosophy to get me through the next 6 months “less but better!” We can only try xx
The wines look delicious. Nice to put in decanter me thinks
🍷
🔥
🍷
🍂
🍷
🧤🧣
And definitely some 🧶 🧦 🧦!
A good red wine while the wind howls outside sounds perfect
I’m not normally a fan of red but these reviews make me want to make a huge pot of stew and drink a large glass of it!
Red wine has been my favourite for quite a while. Fed up with being served tepid white wine at my husbands cricket clubhouse, I switched to red, and never looked back.
Fireside, stew and jumper as perfect accompaniments – I’m sold!
This would be amazing to win … who wouldn’t want to???
Oh I love a good winter jumper a cosy room and a glass of red, or a hug in a glass 😍🍷
I would love to try these, they sound perfect for a cosy evening by the fire
Bought some Argentinian Malbec/Cab Franc today on your recommendation – and always happy to go organic – savouring it at this very moment (in front of prescribed fire) – fruity and fab. Yes, I now have some bottles in the rack – but there’s always room for more!
I love your recommendations and free wine sounds good x
drank the catena last night
superb
and buy 6 @25% off at tescos currently
great!
Would love to curl up with this in front of the fire – while toasting crumpets. Fingers crossed
Cab franc is one of my favourites. I’ve been lucky to have some gorgeous examples from Washington State as the other half used to travel to Seattle regularly and bring a few bottles back. Definitely a region to explore for lovely reds.
Yes please! Love Argentinian wine 🍷🍷
From one knackered Mother to another……
Due to spending lockdown with a wild 19 month old, I have been on the Government “merlot” scheme ever since and supplies are running low
Fabulous prize – nothing beats being warm and cozy with a glass of lovely red x
Looks bloody gorgeous! And so does the new hair! Just bought my first house and moving in next week so this would be an excellent first night in treat!
Definitely want something interesting and delicious. Cabernet Franc – yes please, I would love to try this. THANKS!
Wld absolutely love to win these Helen especially as I I’ve in Wales 🏴 and we’re going into
Lock down tonight 23 October at 6pm 🍷🤞
Interested to try Cab Franc. Loving the thought of a roaring fire and a nice big glass of something delicious!
I would love to win – it has been a tough 12 months for everyone and we are all knackered and in need of a pick me up! 🍷