The estate�s Cabernet Franc has done well in competitions and tasting, tallying one gold medal, three silver medals, and a bronze, in addition to strong reviews. Cabernet Franc, a varietal often blended with other reds, is making headway as a stand-alone grape not only at Biltmore, but throughout the wine industry as well. The grapes do well in Western North Carolina�s cool climate. The estate�s wine enjoys an elegantly smooth texture with fruity and vanilla aromas that complement game birds, while pairing well with lighter dishes.

Cabernet Franc drew some special attention at this past summer�s Southern Foodways Alliance Field Trip in Asheville, August 1-3, 2003. Three Cabernet Francs from southern mountain wineries and one from California were presented in a blind tasting to the food and wine focus group associated with the Center for Southern Studies at the University of Mississippi.

The SFA tasting, held at Biltmore Estate Winery, included a panel of four wine and food journalists�Scott Jones of �Southern Living,� Matt Lee, who writes for �Travel + Leisure,� Frank Sutherland of the �Nashville Tennessean� and Gannett News Service, and Barbara Ensrud, who writes for �The Wall Street Journal�. Ensrud moderated as the panel led a group of more than 150 participants in a blind tasting and discussion of the following wines:

When Ensrud asked the audience, via a show of hands, to select the wine that was not grown in the southern mountains, she noted that the group was largely divided between the Biltmore Estate and Cosentino wines, with a few votes for Tiger Mountain as well.

�The Chateau Biltmore was quite a surprise�as dark as the California wine but with more emphasis on fruit and ripe berries, with a touch of spicy oak�and very popular with the audience,� said Ensrud. �It was gratifying to see such positive response to the tasting from those who attended, and their amazement that southern wines can be so delicious to drink.�

Other 2003 Biltmore Estate wine awards include:
Riverside International Wine Competition

International Eastern Wine Competition

San Diego National Wine Competition

Tasters Guild Wine Competition

L.A. County Fair Wine Competition

Pacific Rim Wine Competition

Biltmore�s wines are produced under three labels: George Washington Vanderbilt, the Estate�s premium vintages; Biltmore Estate Ch�teau Reserve, fine quality varietal wines; and Biltmore Estate, premium table wines�both blended and varietals. Biltmore Estate wines have taken more than 300 medals in national and international competitions.

Red wines produced include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Vanderbilt Claret, Syrah, and Cardinal�s Crest �. White wines include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc. Roses offered include White Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir. Sparkling wines produced in the �methode champenoise� and a special Chardonnay Sur Lies are also choice selections at Biltmore Estate.

Winery tours are available to the public, and provide interesting insight of the wine-making process.

Wines crafted by Winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak are available in North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. For more information about The Biltmore Company or Biltmore Estate Winery, write The Biltmore Company, One Approach Road, Asheville, NC 28803 or phone 1-800-543-2961.

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