In Australia, we see a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon—but don’t often hear much about one of its parents: Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon gets most of the attention, and it’s easy to forget about Cabernet Franc, especially as a single varietal wine. When I started putting together this Cabernet Franc wine guide, I realised I didn’t know much about the grape myself. But after diving deeper, I’m excited to try more of it—and I hope this guide inspires you to do the same.
Cabernet Franc wine guide
Cabernet Franc is a medium-bodied red wine originating from France. It is a parent to some popular children – think Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere. Cabernet Franc produces wines that are medium-bodied with medium-high acidity and soft tannins. It has always been popular for blending (hello Bordeaux) but is starting to out as a single-varietal.
Origin of Cabernet Franc
Like many French grape varieties, Cabernet Franc has a long history. It has been grown in France’s Loire Valley for over 500 years, thriving in the region’s cool climate where Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc dominate.
The grape’s origins, however, are believed to trace back to the Libournais region of South-West France.
Cabernet Franc made its way to Bordeaux in the 18th century, where the warmer climate produced fuller-bodied wines with lower acidity and fewer herbal notes compared to Loire Valley expressions.
Interestingly, when Cabernet Franc arrived in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon didn’t yet exist. It was only later, when Cabernet Franc crossed with Sauvignon Blanc, that Cabernet Sauvignon was born—bringing together Franc’s fruit flavours with Blanc’s thick skins.
Flavour profile of Cabernet Franc
As this Cabernet Franc wine guide shows, the grape can vary depending on whether it’s grown in a cool or warm climate.
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General Style: Dry, medium-bodied, bright acidity, medium tannins. Common flavours include raspberries, strawberries, currants, spice, and pepper.
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Cool Climate Cabernet Franc: Higher acidity, brighter fruit, often lighter in alcohol, with occasional green capsicum or herbal notes.
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Warm Climate Cabernet Franc: Richer and fuller in mouthfeel, with rounder fruit and spice.
Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon
So how does Cabernet Franc compare to its more famous child, Cabernet Sauvignon?
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Cabernet Franc: Lighter in colour, more restrained aromas, peppery spice, and softer tannins (similar to Pinot Noir).
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Cabernet Sauvignon: Fuller-bodied, bolder tannins, more intense black fruit flavours.
If Cabernet Sauvignon feels too heavy, Cabernet Franc offers a softer, more food-friendly alternative.
Where you’ll find Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is among the top 20 most widely planted grape varieties in the world.
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France: Loire Valley, Libournais, Bergerac, Madillon AOC, Bordeaux.
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Italy: Friuli, Veneto, Puglia, and Tuscany (as part of Super Tuscan blends).
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Other Regions: Chile, Argentina, South Africa, US, Canada, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain, Kazakhstan, China.
In Australia, Cabernet Franc arrived in 1832 with James Busby. Today, it’s primarily grown in North-Eastern Victoria, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and the Clare Valley.
What to pair with Cabernet Franc
One of the highlights of this Cabernet Franc guide is its versatility with food. With its medium body and bright acidity, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes.
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Tomato-based pasta
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Roasted pork or poultry
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Vegetarian dishes
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Greek cuisine
Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, which needs rich, heavy meat to balance its tannins, Cabernet Franc is far more flexible at the table.
Summary: Cabernet Franc wine guide
If you’re searching for a red wine that’s food-friendly, flavourful, and just a little softer than Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is worth exploring.
While it has long been famous as a blending grape, Cabernet Franc truly shines as a single varietal—offering vibrant fruit, soft tannins, and a versatile style that makes it a perfect match for many meals.
Next time you’re looking for a red to enjoy with dinner, consider reaching for Cabernet Franc—it might just become your new favourite.