LOCAL PAIRINGS: Cabernet Franc Shoots and Scores!

In our new Local Pairings series, we’re teaming up bright lights from the worlds of sports, entertainment, food, and media with a wine expert for a bit of tasting and chatting.

In our latest video, we’re kicking into gear by bringing together Kathleen DeLitta, assistant coach for the Philadelphia Lone Star FC soccer squad, and sommelier Scott Zoccolilo, beverage director at Del Frisco’s.

A lover of Merlot, DeLitta is instantly intrigued by her introduction to Cabernet Franc — a grape that happens to be Merlot’s parent. After just a few sips, she’s already planning a pairing with flank steak, a beef cut she loves to throw on the grill (hands allowed in this scenario). Zoccolilo shares her enthusiasm for the peppery, fruit-forward varietal, and encourages her to seek it out in all its forms: sparkling, rosé, and ice wine.

As soccer is to other sports in America (exciting but often overlooked), so is Cabernet Franc to its famous offspring, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Let’s change that together!

The wine featured in this video is a Cabernet Franc from Tolino Vineyards in Bangor, PA.