It is just under three months until my beloved International Cab Franc Day is here. I thought I would share an ode to the best variety. I may have borrowed the irregular ode format of Ode to a Nightingale by John Keats. I hope you like my version!
My palate aches and craves you in my glass
My brain remembers the last time I drank
All other grapes, you know, I’ll gladly pass
My only true love is you, Cab Franc
It’s not that the others don’t hold a charm,
But you bring me more joy, I must confess
Often thought to be French origin
Relegated oft to a blend
You are my favorite, I must profess
You swirl with charm, always make me grin
In limestone beds is where you draw your strength
Early ripening is what we love
You pair with ease and go to stunning length
You age with grace, a true gift from above
Envy is what others feel of your scents
In every sip of Franc, I find happiness
Deep ruby hues with vibrant crimson rim
Hints of graphite so intense
That I might drink, and leave the world in bliss
With Cab Franc’s charm, I fade into sunset dim
Cabernet Sauvignon, your noble son
Merlot, another child that you own
Gros Cabernet with you; Carmenere the one
Hondarrabi Beltza; mother yet unknown
Morenoa; there’s so much to learn of you
So many children we should thank you for
A world without you is one filled with much woe
All these words remain true to the core
A blending grape, Franc you are so much more
My dream for you; to be loved each tomorrow.
~Slàinte!
