Oliver Zeter, Cabernet Franc, 2019

'One-Liner'
A polished, varietal Cabernet Franc with dark berry fruit, fresh herbal lift and a fine, smoky finish.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass. The nose brings blueberry, blackberry and cassis, with a savoury herbal edge and a little smoky spice behind the fruit. On the palate it is structured but not heavy, with ripe dark fruit, firm but measured tannins and a freshness that keeps the wine lively rather than broad. There is real polish here, but it still feels distinctly Cabernet Franc.

Country: Germany
Region: Pfalz
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 13.5%
Friendly: Vegan

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
Oliver Zeter has built much of his reputation on treating so-called international varieties as if they properly belong in the Pfalz, rather than as curiosities. In a warm region like this, Cabernet Franc can ripen fully enough to show dark fruit and real depth, but still hold on to the freshness and herbal detail that make the grape worth drinking in the first place. This bottling also seems to lean into clay ageing rather than obvious oak gloss, which suits the wine very well and keeps the varietal character front and centre.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Barbecue duck with sticky berry glaze
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and thyme pasta bake
- Vegan: Braised red cabbage with lentils and roasted onions