WTN: Basque Cab Franc

Out for dinner last night, the thing that jumped out at me from the wine list was a Herri Mina (Jean-Claude Berrouet) 2014 Irouléguy Rouge, 100% Cabernet Franc. I don't think I've ever had a red from this region before, so it was hard to resist, and boy, was it good: terrific balance between ripe, juicy fruit and structure, more floral than I think of (e.g.) Loire CFs as being; laser-sharp and vibrant, especially after decanting. I gather this runs about $30 at retail, so it's not a bargain, but I liked it enough to try to seek some out; it's drinking beautifully now but I will be curious to stash some away, too.

You got my attention..Nice!

You got my attention too. I'm surprised that a wine made 100% from Cabernet franc is allowed in the Irouléguy appellation; most have a lot of Tannat in the blend and the rules stipulate that the maximum of any one of the cépages principaux (main grape varieties = Tannat & CabFranc)) in the blend is 90%. In a way it is encouraging that the authorities are not being heavy handed in the application of the rules.

It doesn't surprise me that CF gives good results in this mountainous region where high altitude should compensate for the southerly latitude. It could well be more accessible young without Tannat. BTW what was your vintage?

Some of the CT pundits also mention some nice whites. Might be worth looking around Tim?
Some tasters thought their reds from the area were Tannat and no mention of CF.

Yes, Bob, in my very limited experience, the whites are classier than the reds. They are made essentially from the same grapes, G&P Manseng, as Jurançon which is one of my favourite whites. I tasted a fine range two or three times in Belgium, I think from Dom. Arretxea; TNs in archive perhaps. I have tried to buy Irouléguy at cavistes here but have drawn a blank. I'll be more persistent as with Mondeuse and other wines from Savoie.

Thanks to you both!

Tim, the vintage was 2014 (I'll edit the original post, sorry for omitting that). The wine was identified on the restaurant wine list as Cab Franc, but that's hardly definitive. When I looked it up on the web, I saw something that did suggest it was a blend with Tannat; but then I found the US importer's page, which specifies 100% Cab Franc, and that seemed like a trustworthy source, so I went with that. (It's here: https://www.mwines.com/herri-mina/)

I think I've had at least one Irouléguy blanc, as well as some Jurançons from the same varieties (Gros and Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu), and I've enjoyed them a lot; that was part of what made this bottle such an appealing prospect. Seems like I may need to try to visit the Sud-Ouest some time!

Seems like I may need to try to visit the Sud-Ouest some time!

The Sud-Ouest is well worth a wine visit. There is a lot of diversity in terroirs, grape varieties and tastes with quite big distances between the various wine areas. These range from Bergerac, Duras, Marmandais & Buzet, easy to dismiss as Bordeaux satellites, though Cahors based on Malbec, Marcillac with Fer Servadou, Gaillac with varoius local varieties, Fronton with Négette, Madiran with Tannat and Jurançon with G&P Manseng ending in Irouléguy. Paul Strang's book is excellent.

PS: Over 450 km from the Marcillac to the Irouléguy area.

Pauls book is a gem indeed. Must take another looksie later today!
I just checked the liquor board website and Jurancon seems to be absent this winter, along with Marcillac which I have only seen here in AB a couple of times. Slim pickings around here sorry to say.

Thanks for this book recommendation, I'll have to look for it! These regions are pretty poorly represented in the Chicago market, though apparently a little better than in Edmonton.