Cabernet Franc wine guide

In Australia, I find we have a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon but don’t hear all that much about one of its parents, Cabernet Franc. You hear so much more about Cab Sav that I often forget about Cabernet Franc, especially as a single varietal. ⁠So I have to admit going into writing this wine guide I didn’t know all that much about Cabernet Franc. But now I am very keen to try more of it! I’m hoping it might inspire you to do the same. ⁠In this Cabernet Franc wine guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about this grape variety.

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

As many of the French grape varieties do, Cabernet Franc has a rich history. It has been growing in France’s Loire Valley for over 500 years as the dominant red grape in a cool climate region where Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc dominate. However, the origins of the grape are believed to be in the Libournais region of South-West France.

Cabernet Franc made its way to Bordeaux in the 18th century and the grape thrived in the warmer climate, producing wines that were fuller-bodied with lower acidity and less herbaceous notes than those of the Loire Valley.

Now, you may know Bordeaux to be synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon. But did you know that Cab Sav didn’t exist when Cabernet Franc arrived in Bordeaux? Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc got together sometime in the middle 1600s and produced a grape with the pigment and black fruit flavours of Cabernet Franc, and the thick skins of Sauvignon Blanc.

Flavour profile of Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc can differ depending on whether it is produced in a cool or warm climate (learn more about the difference here). However, as a general rule, Cabernet Franc is dry, medium-bodied with a good amount of acidity and medium tannins. Usually, there will be notes of raspberries, strawberries, currants, spice and pepper.

Cool climate Cabernet Franc tends to have higher acidity and brighter fruit, and wines are usually lighter in alcohol. They can sometimes have vegetal notes such as green capsicum. Warm climate Cabernet Franc is bolder with a fuller mouthfeel.

Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon

So how does Cabernet Franc differ from Cabernet Sauvignon? Cab Franc tends to be lighter in colour, muted in its aroma and usually has a peppery spice. It is also lower in tannin, and similar to Pinot Noir in this way. However, Cabernet Franc does have more tannins than Pinot Noir, and Pinot tends to be fruitier.

Where you’ll find Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc ranks amongst the top twenty most widely planted grape varieties. Apart from France, the grape is grown in many new world regions, spreading as wide as Kazakhstan and China. It is also popular in Chile, Argentina, South Africa, the US, Canada, Hungary, Slovenia and Spain.

The major regions for Cabernet Franc are France and Italy. In France, the most popular regions are the Loire Valley, Libournais, Bergerac, Madillon AOC and of course, Bordeaux. In Italy, you’ll find it in Friuli, Veneto and Puglia, as well as in Tuscany as part of the Super Tuscan blend.

Cabernet Franc came to Australia in 1832 with James Busby. It predominately grows in Nort-Eastern Victoria, McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills and the Clare Valley.

What to pair with Cabernet Franc

With its high acidity and medium body, Cabernet Franc is an incredibly versatile food wine. In fact, some might say it is even more versatile than Cabernet Sauvignon which has much higher tannins, meaning it needs to be paired with richer, red meat dishes.

Cabernet Franc can pair with a wide variety of foods and goes particularly well with tomato-based dishes, vegetarian, poultry or pork and Greek cuisine.

Summary: Cabernet Franc wine guide

If you are looking for a food worthy wine that is a little softer than those bold flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon, why not give its father a go? Cabernet Franc is famous for blends but really stands out as a single varietal, offering delicious and complex flavours with soft tannins and a medium body. Next time you’re looking for a perfect red to match your meal, look no further than Cabernet Franc!