Merlots and Cab Francs from Napa

Outer Space wines will focus on Cab Franc and Merlot on Friday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. These two grapes live in the shadow of Cabernet in Napa, but they can absolutely sing when planted in the right area and worked with the right hands.  Merlot, written off as dead after Sideways came out, is having a resurgence, and Cab Franc is probably the hottest grape in the valley right now. They’ll explore Cab Francs, Merlots and blends of the two from its coldest climate (Carneros) to its hottest (Calistoga) with stops at points in between, including Coombsville, Oak Knoll and Diamond Mountain. They come from small producers making beautiful Napa wines that are less discovered (and less costly) because you’re not paying the Cabernet Tax. The cost is $40 at www.outerspacewines.com.  Outer Space Wines, 974 Franklin St., Napa