Wine FAQs – Part 4

Here is Part 3 of our Wine FAQs series!  We’ll provide you with the answers to any questions you have about Messina Hof, wine, and the winemaking process.

What is the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc?Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the world’s widely recognized red wine grape and primary to Bordeaux. It is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This grape is the product of crossing Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Franc- One of the five varieties of red wine grapes in Bordeaux. It is grown primarily for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and earthier than Cabernet Sauvignon. Messina Hof Cabernet Franc won Best of Show at the SENI Wine Competition.

What determines a wine to be considered a Meritage?

A type of wine that made in the style of a red Bordeaux and is a member of The Meritage Association. This red wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. A Meritage has to be made with at least two of the five grapes and no varietal can be more than 90% of the blend.

What makes a wine a Library Wine at Messina Hof?

When a new vintage comes out for the year, the winemaker places the older year in the Library section because there is less quantity available and it is no longer sold in retail & grocery stores. For instance, there are only 135 bottles of Private Reserve Merlot 2002 left in our Library.

How long does a bottle of wine last with and without a cork?

With Cork- If you place the cork back into the opening of the wine bottle; it usually lasts no longer than one week.

Without Cork- If you use a Wine Saver System (a pump and rubber stopper); which removes all the oxygen in the bottle allowing white wines to last about 2 weeks and red wines for 3 weeks.