
Cabernet Franc Wine
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.
Cabernet Franc Tasting Notes
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.
Cabernet Franc Food Pairings
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.
- Bordeaux Red Blends410
- Cabernet Sauvignon117
- Pinot Noir95
- Tempranillo60
- Rhône Blends53
- Nebbiolo52
- Sangiovese51
- Other Red Blends46
- Syrah/Shiraz43
- Malbec28
- Cabernet Franc20
- Grenache13
- Tuscan Blends12
- Merlot7
- Mencia7
- Carignan5
- Gamay5
- Bonarda4
- Zinfandel4
- Nerello Mascalese4
- Mourvedre3
- Carmenere2
- Aglianico1
- Barbera1
- Other Red Wine1
- Petit Verdot1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Blaufrankisch1
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate20
- James Suckling16
- Jeb Dunnuck8
- Wine Enthusiast7
- Vinous6
- Wine Spectator3
- Wilfred Wong of Wine.com3
- Wine & Spirits2
- Decanter2
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Thierry Germain Saumur Champigny Clos de l'Echelier 2015Cabernet Franc from Saumur, Loire, France
- RP
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El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- V
- JS
- RP
- WS
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Charles Joguet Chinon Clos de la Dioterie 2017Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
- V
- RP
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Duemani CiFRA Cabernet Franc 2020Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy
- JS
- RP
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Zuccardi San Pablo Poligonos del Valle de Uco Cabernet Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- D
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Zorzal Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- WE
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Andrew Will Winery Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from Columbia Valley, Washington
- JD
- RP
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Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Thierry Germain Saumur Champigny La Marginale 2019Cabernet Franc from Saumur, Loire, France
- RP
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Palazzo California Cabernet Franc Reserve 2016Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JD
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Zorzal Piantao 2013Cabernet Franc from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
- WS
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Raats Cabernet Franc 2017Cabernet Franc from South Africa
- RP
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El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Agrelo Single Vineyard 2017Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
- WE
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La Jota Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JD
- JS
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Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc 2018Cabernet Franc from Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California
- JD
- JS
- RP
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Chappellet Cabernet Franc 2019Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP
- JS
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Charles Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos 2018Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
- RP
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El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2017Cabernet Franc from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- JS
- WE
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Lang & Reed Two-Fourteen Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- WW
- RP
- WS
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Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Gustaf Cabernet Franc 2016Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, California
- JD
- RP
- WE