"I love it when they call me Big Poppa!"
Celebrating Cabernet Franc, the daddy of everyone's favorite red wines.
Happy Thursday, peeps.
I hope that you and yours had a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. Not much to say up top, except that I’m quite befuddled that tomorrow is December 1.
2023 has truly been a cornucopia of emotions, world events, and surprises, but I remain hopeful and grateful that the best is yet to come.
Keep on scrolling for more, and I’ll catch y’all right back here next week.
WINE NEWS
Here’s your chance to bid on an encyclopedic wine collection curated by a LEGEND.
Another reminder for me to book my trip to Mexico ASAP.
I’m not saying he’s wrong, but it does sometimes help to ask before you buy.
Move over California Sauvignon Blanc – this white grape wants its chance to shine.
CATCH ME OUTSIDE!
I’m often asked about sustainable wines, so I was thrilled when Kelli Pelc of The Refilleri asked me to host an eco-friendly wine tasting. This Tuesday, December 5, I’ll be walking through a few wine pairings and sharing what exactly makes them sustainable. If you’re interested in attending, click on the image above to send the good folks at The Refilleri an email to secure your seat! See you there!
MORE WINE EVENTS
My homie and award-winning sommelier Derrick Westbrook is hosting not one but TWO events next month. The first will be a silent party wine tasting this Saturday, December 2 at Lululemon and the second will be an immersive music and tasting experience next Saturday, December 9 in Milwaukee, WI.
Grab your tickets and get ready for a good time!
NYC, this one’s for you! Jermaine Stone aka The Real Wolf of Wine is hosting the second annual Wine & Hip Hop Festival next month at Piggy Back NYC. I've heard nothing but good things, and I hope to be able to attend in the near future. Learn more and grab tickets at wineandhiphopfestival.com.
Here’s another one, this time in Harlem. TOMORROW an open Champagne bar hosted by Highly Recommended! Founder Marquis Williams curating nothing but good vibes in collaboration with Out To Lunch. Use code “Harlem20” for a discount on tickets –grab them here!
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE BLACK WOMEN IN FOOD!
As a former honoree and judge of the Black Women in Food Awards, I am THRILLED to share that the nomination period is now open!
This is an opportunity to not only support this incredible initiative but to show love. and support to Black women who are doing the damn thing across the hospitality industry!
Click here to submit your nominations. You’ve got until December 11, so don’t delay!
WHAT I’M SIPPIN’ ON
This Sunday, December 3rd, is Cabernet Franc Day!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Cab Franc, it plays a large role in the DNA makeup of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But even beyond being the Big Poppa of everyone’s favorite red wines, Cabernet Franc is a level-headed, conservative yet somewhat temperamental grape variety that isn’t afraid to run the show.
Hailing from Spain’s Basque Country (not France!), Cab Franc eventually found its way over to Bordeaux, where it plays another important part in that region’s wine production.
One of my favorite Cab Franc producers is Lang & Reed out of Napa, California. I’ve been a fan of this family-owned establishment for a while now and had the chance to visit their tasting room last June.
On the palate, Cab Franc is quite reserved at first, but as it opens up, it’s powerful with lots of red fruit flavors like plum strawberry, and raspberry.
Other areas and regions that produce Cabernet Franc well include Loire Valley, South Africa, Walla Walla (WA), Tuscany, and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. I’ve listed a few bottle options off the top of my head below, and will add more later!
Habit Cabernet Franc, 2021 (CA)
This a friendly reminder that as the year comes to a close, you don’t have to “finish it strong” or “race to the finish”. Continue to take your time, get rest, drink your water, mind your business, and embrace ease going into 2024.
Cheers, beloved!
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