Robust, versatile, and uncomplicated, Cabernet Franc is the lesser-known parent of several popular varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère. It’s one of the primary grapes found in right-bank Bordeaux blends and is widely grown worldwide. Prized for its peppery and dark fruit notes, Cabernet Franc is equally delicious when blended or as a standalone varietal.
Despite being the parent to several popular grapes, Cabernet Franc largely plays a supporting role in Bordeaux-style blends. In fact, you may not even realize you’ve had it before!
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into this versatile red wine, its many growing regions, tasting notes, and of course, plenty of food pairings. Interested in learning more about red wine? Consider reading our guides on Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Cinsault next!
Characteristics of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a dry red wine found primarily in France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux, though it’s gained popularity in the United States and elsewhere. It’s known for being a temperamental grape that’s hard to ripen, leading to wines of varying texture and flavor.
Like many red wines, Cabernet Franc requires barrel aging to soften and unravel more flavor. It’s often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to make Bordeaux-style blends, though in warmer climates, it’s not unusual to see it as a single varietal.
Tasting Notes
Cabernet Franc is less structured and intense than Cabernet Sauvignon, yet it’s more refined than Merlot. It dances between the two, with vibrant flavors and aromas of cherries, olives, violets, bell pepper, graphite, and leather. A typical glass will exhibit medium to full body, medium tannins, and medium alcohol.
In cooler climates, the wine has a high acidity, making for notes of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and green bell pepper. In a warmer climate, the higher acidity diminishes, and on the palate, those red fruit flavors transform into blackberry, black cherry, leather, and peppercorn.
How to Serve
Cabernet Franc is best served in a standard red wine glass at room temperature (60-68F), such as a Bordeaux or a wide-rimmed red wine glass.
Aged bottles of Cabernet Franc will definitely benefit from decanting for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once decanted, you should notice the flavor unwind and reveal more aroma and a deeper earthy and fruity flavor.
Notable Regions
Cabernet Franc originated in southern France along the border with Spain’s Basque Country, though it’s found most of its success elsewhere. Each region produces its own unique flavors and textures of this grape.
Bordeaux, France
While Cabernet Franc’s story begins in southern France, today it’s almost exclusively found in the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions.
In Bordeaux, it’s one of the only six red grapes permitted to make red Bordeaux varieties. It’s mostly found along the right bank blended with Merlot. In the Pomerol and St. Émilion regions specifically, these blends can contain up to 50% Cabernet Franc.
When blended in the Bordeaux style, Cabernet Franc adds powerful hint of mint, herbal flavors, bell pepper, violet, spices, and dark chocolate notes with a rustic elegance and age-worthy flavor.
Loire Valley, France
In the Loire Valley of France, Cabernet Franc is the most popular red grape, and many red wines are made exclusively from it. The most notable example is the Chinon appellation, located in the central Loire Valley. These wines are made from 100% Cabernet Franc and are prized for their elegance, balanced acidity, and rich raspberry and bell pepper flavors.
The Loire Valley is also where one of the few examples of rosé Cabernet Franc is made, rosé of Anjou. While Cabernet Franc can be hard to turn into rosé (due to its sometimes vegetal flavor), these wines are remarkably aromatic and loaded with flavors of fresh summertime red fruit.
Italy
Italy is the second highest producer of Cabernet Franc, most notably in Tuscany and the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. In Friuli, it’s widely popular as a Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These wines tend to be higher in acid, with a lean body and tart cherry notes.
In Tuscany, Cabernet Franc is one of several international grapes lovingly referred to as “Super Tuscans.” These blends were made popular in the 1970s by rebellious winemakers looking to break from the traditional Sangiovese. These wines are bold and complex and exhibit flavors of black fruit, tobacco, cocoa, and chili pepper
Other Regions Worth Noting
United States – Widely grown in California and Washington State, though it’s gaining a reputation in New York’s Long Island. In New York, it’s typically blended with other Bordeaux grapes, but in the warmer climates of California and Washington, it can often be found as a single varietal or in blends.
Chile – A relatively new addition to the family, Chile has begun making excellent, affordable, single-varietal Cabernet Franc. In the Colchagua Valley, these wines are bold and layered with flavors of milk chocolate, black cherry, and pepper.
Hungary – A surprising place indeed, but it’s showing success here alongside Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Food Pairings
Cabernet Franc is a fun wine for creative food pairings, since its taste can vary drastically depending on where it’s grown and ripeness at harvest.
When grown in a cooler climate (like the Loire Valley or Friuli), these wines will be more acidic and red fruit-forward. They’re best paired with tangy cheeses, recipes that include lean proteins, olives, vinegar-based sauces, smoky bbq or tomato-based dishes. Try it with my pulled pork sandwiches (and don’t forget the coleslaw!).
In warmer climates (like Bordeaux, Chile, or California), Cabernet Franc is bolder, with stronger pepper and black fruit notes. This makes it the perfect pairing for grilled or roasted red meats, gamey meats, or even roasted duck. Try it alongside this NY Strip Steak or my Grilled Ground Lamb Kebabs! Avoid anything too delicate, as this wine requires a dish of equal richness to shine.
Regardless of which style you’re enjoying, Cab Franc is a flavorful, eclectic, interesting wine that’s worth exploring. Be sure to shout out any favorite food pairings or specific wines you’ve tried and loved!
Let us know your thoughts!