Grower’s Blend Cabernet Franc 2020 – Tawse Winery

Overview

Tawse Winery’s Grower’s Blend Cabernet Franc 2020 is a rich, expressive and beautifully balanced red that showcases the excellence of this vintage in the Niagara Peninsula. The wine opens with generous aromatics and a refined structure backed by lively acidity, delivering depth and immediate appeal. Crafted from selected growers’ parcels, it aims to reveal the true personality of each site while maintaining clarity and elegance. In this outstanding 2020 release, ripe fruit, freshness and polished tannins harmonize perfectly, resulting in a Cabernet Franc of character and aging potential. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

The 2020 vintage is widely regarded as exceptional in Niagara, with warm and consistent conditions that allowed grapes to reach ideal maturity. Tawse chose some of the most reliable growers for this cuvée, continuing a long-standing collaboration that enhances the region’s viticultural heritage. The goal was to craft a Cabernet Franc reflecting both the terroir and the varietal’s natural finesse. Over time, this wine has become emblematic of the Grower’s Blend series, celebrating the diversity and quality of Niagara’s vineyards.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards supplying the grapes are farmed with sustainable practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. Low yields ensure concentration and balanced fruit, while the cool-climate conditions of the Niagara Peninsula give Cabernet Franc its signature notes of herbs, dark fruit and spice. Hand harvesting ensures only the best bunches reach the winery, contributing to aromatic precision and depth.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, the grapes are handled gently to preserve their varietal purity. Fermentation is temperature-controlled, followed by 16 months of aging in French oak barrels that lend structure, spice and roundness. The wood is used judiciously, supporting the wine without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a Cabernet Franc that is rich yet refined, ready to drink now but capable of rewarding mid-term cellaring.

Tasting Notes

Colour: deep ruby with purple hues.
Nose: expressive, featuring blueberry, blackberry, cherry, tobacco and herbal tones.
Palate: structured, with ripe fruit, smooth tannins, lively acidity and a persistent, spice-laden finish.

Food Pairings

Ideal with grilled steak, glazed ribs, roast pork, duck dishes, ragù pasta, game meats and aged cheeses. A great match for slow-cooked recipes and richly flavoured dishes.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Niagara Peninsula

• Varietal: Cabernet Franc 100%

• Vintage: 2020

• Aging: 16 months in French oak

• Alcohol: 13.5%

• Serving temperature: 16–18°C

• Farming philosophy: sustainable

• Allergens: contains sulfites

The history of Tawse Winery

Founded in 2001 by Canadian entrepreneur Moray Tawse, the winery stands on the slopes of the Twenty Mile Bench, one of the most prestigious areas of the Niagara Peninsula. From the outset, the goal was to craft Canadian wines capable of standing alongside top international labels, combining technical precision with deep respect for the land. Over the years Tawse has earned major accolades, including multiple awards as Canada’s Winery of the Year, establishing it as a leading force in Ontario’s wine scene. Despite its growth, the winery remains faithful to its founding values: authenticity, discipline and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Vineyard philosophy

Tawse Winery cultivates vineyards on limestone-based, well-drained soils ideal for Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The agricultural approach is strictly organic and biodynamic, fully certified and implemented with daily commitment. Biodynamic preparations, compost made on-site, biodiversity and adherence to natural rhythms form the core of the philosophy, aimed at maintaining living, healthy soils. Manual work is essential—from pruning to harvesting—ensuring careful control of each parcel and precise grape selection. The cool climate of Ontario encourages slow ripening and remarkable aromatic purity.

Winemaking

In the cellar Tawse blends technical expertise with artisanal precision. The gravity-flow underground facility allows gentle handling of the grapes, minimizing mechanical intervention and preserving freshness. Fermentations rely on both indigenous yeasts and controlled techniques depending on style and varietal. Ageing takes place in stainless steel, concrete, French oak barrels and foudres, with a focus on micro-oxygenation and varietal clarity. The goal is to create wines that reflect the Niagara Peninsula’s identity through tension, mineral drive and clean, expressive aromatics.

Distinctive character

Tawse Winery excels in harmonizing nature, technique and discipline, producing wines of purity, elegance and unmistakable terroir expression. A benchmark for biodynamic viticulture in cool climates, the estate continues to invest in sustainability, research and precision farming. Each bottle captures a rare balance between European tradition and Canadian spirit, offering an authentic and contemporary wine experience. Tawse stands today as one of the most dynamic and influential wineries in North America.