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Catching a Cab Franc Title
by Lisa Diggs
Michigan’s wine industry is often touted more for the whites it produces than the reds, but perhaps that’s about to change. While the state will continue to be celebrated for the many fine wines derived from Riesling grapes, we also have an opportunity to win new respect on the international stage for our Cabernet Franc, at least that is what Terry Stingley believes.
Stingley is the wine buyer for a select group of Harding's Friendly Markets. One of the greatest assets of the Kalamazoo-based retailer is a virtually unprecedented commitment to Michigan’s winemakers. The flagship store stocks nearly 200 Michigan wines, arguably the best selection in the state.
A native of New Orleans and relative newcomer to Michigan, Stingley has spent the past two years immersing himself in Michigan’s wine country. “The first thing I noticed was that the Kalamazoo-Portage area had a really vibrant wine market. I also noticed that none of the area wine retailers had what I would consider a representative set of Michigan wines. Every store carried the obligatory sweet white wines that Michigan has long been known for, but few had anything more serious than that, and virtually none carried any dry Michigan reds,” Stingley recalls.
Having traveled the world extensively studying wine over a 30-year period, the lack of regional pride and local bias really stood out to Stingley. “Whether you find yourself in a dusty village in Spain's Rioja region, or in the middle of bustling Paris, you can be sure that every single wine shop, without fail, is proudly promoting the local juice. There is no ‘wall of Gallo’ or 20 varieties of Australian Shiraz, and the knowledgeable proprietors of those shops are all too happy to share with you the dozens of reasons why you'll enjoy the regional wine. This is something that is grossly vacant in the entire state of Michigan, and it's something that, with Tim Harding's full support, I set out to rectify.”
One of the ways the two men intend to rectify that contrast is by helping Michigan to claim a regional wine identity. Few of us could argue about the value that being known as the sparkling wine capital of the world has brought to the Champagne region of France. While the wine industry is probably too developed for any region to become that synonymous with a particular type of wine at this point, it may still be possible to carve out a new reputation.
Stingley contends, “Our ultimate goal is to put Michigan wines on the world map. Every great wine region in the world has, what I call, an identity wine. Michigan is producing world class wines, many of which have already shown themselves well in international competition, but it lacks that critical identity wine.” He believes that Cabernet Franc can provide that opportunity.
Cabernet Franc is now considered to be one of the genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon (the other being Sauvignon Blanc). Both cabernet varieties are among the five major grapes of Bordeaux. Cabernet Franc vines bear thinner-skinned, earlier-ripening grapes with lower overall acidity, when compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are similar, although Cabernet Franc normally buds and ripens somewhat earlier. Plus, Cabernet Franc vines survive cold winters better, making them an ideal crop for Michigan.
To help put Cabernet Franc, and the export-quality of many Michigan wines, on the national and international radar, Harding's is set to host the first-of-it's-kind Harding's Cup Cab Franc Challenge.
At least seventeen wineries will be competing for the title as Michigan’s best Cabernet Franc. Entrants to the competition were included by invitation only. Each was personally selected and invited by Stingley as the result of a two-week road trip and vetting process.
Esteemed judges for the event are scheduled to include: Patrick Fegan, Wine Columnist, and Director of the Chicago Wine School; Jean-Jacques Fertal, a native of Paris and President of Eagle Eye Imports; Claudia Tyagi, Master Sommelier; Michael Cregar, Sommelier and owner of Wines of Distinction; Dean Rondy, Sommelier and Owner of Oxford Wine and Beverage; and Dr. William Harrison III, Chairman of the Michigan Grape and Wine Council.
Harding’s Cup Cab Franc Challenge
August 20, 2009
7:00 PM (Judging begins at 6, public welcome at 7 PM)
Park Club (219 W. South St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007)
$35 per person (reservations required)
Wine sampling and heavy appetizers provided
For reservations contact: Park Club at 269-381-0876 or via email at craig@parkclub.net
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