Michael Shaps, Virginia (United States) 2017

 Michael Shaps has been a trend setter in the Virginia wine scene for many years and his Blanc de Franc is another example of why he earns that title in my book.  Cabernet Franc is a favorite variety for many winemakers in Virginia because it does relatively well in Virginia’s climate.  Many Virginia winemakers use Cabernet Franc to make bold red wines but Michael’s Blanc de Franc takes a different twist, pressing the juice off of the fruit immediately and making a sparkling wine in the traditional method.  The wine is bright with acidity, traditional bready notes, along with baked apricot and pear notes.  It is not an understatement to say that this wine has all the quality and attention to detail of a dedicated sparkling house.