Winemaker Notes
Catherine and Pierre describe this light, spring red as "Cabernet Franc like a sea breeze." There's lots of fresh fruit with little tannins. The wine's name is a reference to the maritime warning "Avis de Vent Fort" (meaning strong winds are in the forecast), is a play on words to evoke the idea that if the weather is bad, one should sail back to shore and have a glass of wine instead.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
On the north bank of the Loire Valley in the western end of the greater Touraine region, Bourgueil makes a sturdy and aromatic Cabernet Franc.