Drink (and think) like a somm
Southwest Mountains Vineyards
Cabernet Franc Reserve
Virginia
Monticello
Cabernet Franc 91%
Merlot 9%
Dried Cherry, Violets, Black Pepper, Red Currant
12 Months
French Oak 100%
Ripe fruit flavors, rich almost jammy mouthfeel, smooth tannins and bright acidity to tie it all together for a wonderful, balanced Cabernet Franc.
Low
Med -
Medium
Med +
High
ABOUT
Southwest Mountains 2023 Cabernet Franc
This 2023 Cabernet Franc comes off of one of the best vintages Virginia has seen in years. As such, it presents ripe, rich red fruit flavors with a bit of pepper and spice on the finish.
It maintains a firm and balanced structure with an approachable, smooth body throughout. This is a wonderful example of why Virginia Cabernet Franc is gaining such notoriety.
PAIRINGS
IN A PINCH
Blue cheeses, grilled lean meats.
DEEPER DIVE
This wine comes in just a bit bigger than typical Cabernet Franc wines since it has a touch of Merlot and very ripe fruit flavors from a stand out vintage.
Its best pairing options are going to be leaner cuts of meat, especially if grilled since the natural pepper flavors will go well with some smokiness. Flank steak and filet mignon are both great options for this wine.
The rich body of this wine and ripe fruit notes are going to be great with aged cheeses, especially blue cheeses, as well as sharp cheddars.
STANDOUT FEATURES
- Ripe Fruit
- Pepper Notes
- Soft Tannins
STEAR CLEAR
Anything too rich like stews might overpower this wine. Also, most seafood won’t be a good option here.
PAIRING SCALE
Light Dishes
Salads
Raw Bar
Med – Dishes
Fatty Fish
Roast Chicken
Med. Dishes
Lean Meats
Rich Poultry
Med + Dishes
Burgers
Fatty Meats
Full Dishes
Stews
Rich Sauces
CHEESE OPTIONS
Roquefort
Roquefort
Country: France
Animal: Sheep
Type: Semi-hard
Texture: Creamy
Style: Rich, tangy, creamy.
Cheddar
Cheddar
Country: England
Animal: Cow
Type: Hard
Texture: Grainy
Style: Tangy, earthy, sharp
Chèvre
Chèvre
Country: France
Animal: Goat
Type: Soft
Texture: Creamy, crumbly
Style: Acidic, salty, tangy
RECIPE IDEAS
SERVICE
WHICH GLASSES?
All-purpose glasses would be best.
BORDEAUX
BURGUNDY
FLUTE
COUPE
ALL-PURPOSE
WHITE
DESSERT
SHOULD I DECANT THIS?
WHY “Couldn’t hurt”?
There’s a lot to unpack in this wine, and although you could get away with some generous swirling in your glass, this wine would benefit from some time in a decanter.
HOW LONG?
Generally you would want to decant a younger wine for longer to help it open up and be cautious of exposing older wines to oxygen for too long. There are always exceptions of course, but this is a pretty good rule to follow.
Minutes to decant this bottle:
Year opened
SERVING TEMP
The correct serving temperature is important to show a wine’s true potential, but don’t stress over getting the temp exactly right. Use the chart below to try to get in the right ballpark.
AGING
WHEN SHOULD I OPEN THIS?
If a wine has been released by the producer, it means it is ready to drink. Wines don’t necessarily get “better” with age, they just change. Typically, this change involves things like losing fresh fruit flavors in exchange for more savory notes.
The moment you should open the bottle depends on your preference, so it’s more important to understand the evolution and the life span of the bottle than it is to try to time its opening perfectly. (It’s far better to open a bottle too early than too late.)
This bottle should probably be opened between:
20
-
20
Development
Year Opened
PRODUCER
2300 Whipper In Lane,
Keswick, VA 22947
ABOUT US
Nestled in the Monticello AVA near Keswick, Virginia, our vineyards benefit from elevation, mountain breezes, and diverse soils that create natural balance in the vines. Warm days encourage ripeness and concentration, while cool evenings preserve acidity and structure.
Every block is farmed with meticulous care. Vineyard practices are deliberate and measured, focused on producing fruit of clarity and character rather than volume. The goal is simple: allow the terroir — the singular combination of soil, climate, and topography — to speak with authenticity in every vintage.
OUR VINEYARDS
The Land Defines the Wine
Long before Southwest Mountains Vineyards became a destination for Virginia wine, the land was known as Castalia — a working farm with deep agricultural roots dating back centuries. Generations of stewardship shaped the rolling fields and historic upper barn that still anchor the property today.
In 2013, the estate entered a new chapter when the Manning family undertook a thoughtful restoration of the upper barn, preserving its architectural integrity while returning it to active use. What began as a careful revival of a historic structure evolved into a vision for a world-class Virginia vineyard — one rooted in respect for the land and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Today, Southwest Mountains Vineyards honors that legacy not by replicating the past, but by building upon it — cultivating vines with intention and crafting wines that reflect both heritage and forward-thinking precision.
Interested in joining our wine club?
MEMBER BENEFITS
- COMPLIMENTARY GLASSES – Complimentary glass of wine for you and a guest each visit (up to 6 visits per month)
- EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS – 15% off all wine, food, and ticketed events
- MEMBER-ONLY EVENTS -Member-exclusive gatherings and seasonal pick-up parties
- PRIORITY ACCESS – Reserve new releases and special events before they’re available to the public
- ELEVATED EXPERIENCES – From curated pairings to behind-the-scenes tastings, membership opens the door to the very best of SMV
