Cabernet Franc

TL; DR

You know Cabernet Sauvignon right? This is its daddy, Franc. We sometimes call him Frankie. Similar flavours, a much longer history, and — paradoxically — lives a fresher vibe than its child.

Where did Cabernet Franc originate?--aromatic

Cabernet Franc seems to be native to the Basque country. Its origins run deep, and in fact, Cab Franc is a parent grape to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère! However, nowadays the Loire Valley in France is considered the 'spiritual' home of this grape.

Who's famous for it?--racy

Cabernet Franc has found fame across the globe! It's particularly prized from the Loire Valley in France, but here you won't see "Cabernet Franc" on the label. Instead look for red wines with Loire Valley regional names like Saumur, Chinon or Bourgeuil — these are all Cab Franc!

Outside of France, the next largest producer of the grape is Italy! Mostly from the northern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (that was a mouthful!) and Tuscany. In Tuscany, Cabernet Franc is most often used in Super Tuscan red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and sometimes Syrah and Sangiovese.

Sweeping over into the New World, both California (in the Sierra Foothills AVA) and Chile (in the Colchagua Valley and Maule Valley) have found great success with the grape — both using it in blends and as a single varietal expression.

What does Cabernet Franc taste like?--aromatic

Good to note the obvious similarity with Cabernet Sauvignon first of all - Cab Franc can be considered a "parent grape" of Cab Sav (and Merlot!) and they are often blended together.

Franc is a more medium-bodied red, with less intensity than Cab Sav. The acidity is generally also a little sharper. They share the same violet and gravel notes, but the herbal character is often more elevated in Cab Franc - look for notes like green capsicum, grass and green peppercorns. In riper examples, you may even pick up on roasted red pepper or paprika! Also, Cabernet Franc tends to lean toward more of a red-fruited expression (as opposed to the dark intense fruits of Cabernet Sauvignon).

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Easy to differentiate here, with the French doing the work for us. Typically the Loire Valley wines are lighter, brighter and fresher. Medium body and juicy.

The Bordeaux wines see more oak treatment and have more weight and depth.

What foods should you pair with Cabernet Franc?--plum

The herbal/green peppercorn notes of Cab Franc lend themselves to roast green vegetables (think capsicum, spinach etc), paprika spice, as well as tomatoes and tangy green olives. The acidity in the wines also works nicely with sausage, terrine and roast eggplant.

Fun fact--earth

Like many other grapes, Cabernet Franc goes by a few other names. Breton and Bouchet are amongst the most pronounceable.

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon