
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.
- Bordeaux Red Blends280
- Pinot Noir185
- Cabernet Sauvignon172
- Syrah/Shiraz154
- Rhône Blends104
- Other Red Blends81
- Sangiovese65
- Nebbiolo63
- Tempranillo57
- Merlot34
- Zinfandel30
- Malbec28
- Gamay12
- Tuscan Blends12
- Barbera11
- Cabernet Franc9
- Grenache6
- Aglianico5
- Other Red Wine5
- Dolcetto4
- Carmenere3
- Petite Sirah3
- Touriga Nacional2
- Mencia2
- Sagrantino2
- Bonarda1
- Corvina1
- Lagrein1
- Mourvedre1
- Nero d'Avola1
- Pinotage1
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Le Macchiole Paleo 2009Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy
- WE
- RP
- WS
- JS
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Jonata El Alma de Jonata 2009Cabernet Franc from Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
- RP
- WS
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Saget la Perriere Marie de Beauregard AOC Chinon Cabernet Franc 2009Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Delectus Cabernet Franc 2009Cabernet Franc from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WS
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Le Macchiole Paleo (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2009Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, Italy
- WE
- WS
- RP
- JS
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Jean-Maurice Raffault Les Galuches Chinon 2009Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Domaine de Pallus Chinon Les Pensees de Pallus 2009Cabernet Franc from Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France
- WS
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Anthonij Rupert Cabernet Franc 2009Cabernet Franc from South Africa
- WS
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Adobe Road Cabernet Franc 2009Cabernet Franc from Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
- WS