I’ve said it before that Cabernet Franc is the go to red in Virginia, and Paradise Springs Winery excels at its production. The vintage 2012 was a pretty good growing year and thus far has produced some good fruit in some of the Virginia wines I’ve tasted so far. Cabernet Franc, similar to Sauvignon is a tough varietal that grows well in many terroirs, and it definitely does well in Virginia.
Depending on the terroir and the vintage, Cabernet Franc can be medium to full-bodied and is a great wine to enjoy with beef, chicken, and pork, or in its own. This is the second bottle I’ve had by Paradise Springs, and I enjoyed the fruit forward, medium-bodied structure. It was easy drinking on its own, but paired well with marinated chicken, which only served to bring out the wine’s red fruit character. This wine is made to drink now, so if you’re looking for age-worthiness, you won’t find it here, but that’s OK. I found myself eager to purchase another bottle at the next opportunity.
Make sure to taste at Paradise Springs next time you’re in the DC area (it’s the closest winery geographically to the District). I think you’ll be impressed with their line up, and it’s aesthetics. Bring a picnic basket and hangout in the garden, or lounge around on the back deck and listen to live music. Whatever you do, have a glass of Cabernet Franc and taste the potential of Virginia reds.
D.C. Metro's Wonderful World of Wine 