It only seems fitting that Pope Francis, Time’s 2013 Man Of The Year, has his own inspired vino. In Napa California, Trinitas Cellars took it upon themselves to make it happen with a few barrels of Cabernet Franc they had aging in their cellar from 2012.
Trinitas Cellars CEO Garrett Busch over sees his family’s Catholic winery and recently sat down with Huffington Post Religion to tell the story behind their newest release, Cabernet FRANCis. It all began in 2008 when Garrett’s father Tim, who is a member of The Papal Foundation, decided to present Pope Benedict XVI with an inspired wine during a papal audience. After presenting RatZINger, a zinfandel which Pope Benedict reportedly enjoyed, the tradition began and the winery set out to make a special inspired wine to present to every newly elected pope.
When Pope Francis was elected in March of 2013 Trinitas unfortunately did not have enough time to prepare an inspired wine to present that year, however by the time Tim Busch was ready for another papal audience Trintas had already tapped their barrels and created Cabernet FRANCis. It was not long before the winery was honored to receive a call from a Vatican butler who requested more of the Cabernet FRANCis on behalf of Pope Francis who thoroughly enjoyed his first bottle.
The wine is now available at Trinitas Cellars and online with the rest of the “Faith Collection” for $75 a bottle. So if you’re looking to sip on a Cabernet that is as “Big, Bold, Rich and Approachable” as Pope Francis be sure to order yourself a bottle as soon as possible.