
Cabernet Franc
Learn about Cabernet Franc — taste profile, popular regions and more …
The subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets, Cabernet Franc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. While both are important grapes in modern day, high quality Bordeaux, interestingly, Cabernet Franc most likely originated from the Basque region of France sometime during the middle 1600s. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine producing world, with some of its most classic examples from France’s Loire Valley, in the regions of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny. Outside of France, Cabernet Franc performs quite well in parts of California, New York and Virginia. It is also a great blending grape.
Tasting Notes for Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a dry red wine and typically tastes of red raspberry, strawberry and herb, with a stunning perfume of violets, tobacco and spice.
Perfect Food Pairings for Cabernet Franc
Mouthwatering acidity makes Cabernet Franc an incredibly food-friendly wine, helping to cut through the richness of fatty meat dishes. It especially shines in tandem with lamb, and its affinity for the spice cabinet allows it to pair perfectly with Chinese dishes prepared with Szechuan pepper and five-spice.
Sommelier Secrets for Cabernet Franc
One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
- Pinot Noir633
- Cabernet Sauvignon619
- Other Red Blends296
- Bordeaux Red Blends255
- Sangiovese164
- Tempranillo159
- Rhône Blends149
- Syrah/Shiraz133
- Malbec112
- Merlot106
- Nebbiolo95
- Zinfandel79
- Grenache46
- Tuscan Blends42
- Gamay33
- Cabernet Franc29
- Barbera23
- Carmenere14
- Petite Sirah14
- Montepulciano13
- Other Red Wine12
- Mourvedre11
- Nero d'Avola11
- Mencia10
- Aglianico9
- Nerello Mascalese7
- Carignan6
- Bonarda5
- Agiorgitiko5
- Cinsault4
- Primitivo4
- Dolcetto3
- Lagrein3
- Negroamaro3
- Pinotage3
- Corvina2
- Tannat2
- Gaglioppo2
- Touriga Nacional1
- Valdiguie1
- Freisa1
- Pais1
- Sagrantino1
- Schiava1
-
Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
-
Paradigm Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
-
Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
-
Raats Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from South Africa
- RP
-
Camp Cabernet Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Sonoma County, California
-
Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny 2014Cabernet Franc from Saumur, Loire, France
-
Dr. Konstantin Frank Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Finger Lakes, New York, Other U.S.
- RP
-
Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny Les Poyeux 2014Cabernet Franc from Saumur, Loire, France
- V
-
Domaine de Pallus Chinon Les Pensees de Pallus 2016Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
-
Zorzal Piantao 2013Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
- WS
-
El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2015Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
-
Chappellet Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP
- JS
-
Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from North Coast, California
-
El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2016Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
-
Habit Coquelicot Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- V
-
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
-
Vinum Cellars The Scrapper Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California
-
Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Gustaf Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP
- WE
-
El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Agrelo Single Vineyard 2014Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- RP
-
Cosentino The Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Lodi, California
-
Titus Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- JS
-
Andrew Will Winery Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from Columbia Valley, Washington
-
Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve 2018Cabernet Franc from Virginia, Other U.S.
-
Pulenta Gran Cabernet Franc XI 2017Cabernet Franc from Argentina
- JS
- D
- RP
-
Bodegas Renacer Punto Final Gran Cabernet Franc 2014Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina