Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a dry, medium-bodied red originally from France, best known in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Expect raspberry, red cherry and blackcurrant with herbs, pepper and a subtle earthy edge. Fresh and savoury rather than overly heavy, it’s brilliant with roast chicken, pork, steak, lamb, tomato-based pasta and grilled vegetables.

Taste:

Cabernet Franc brings fruit, freshness and a slightly savoury streak.

It’s typically dry and medium-bodied, with bright acidity and moderate tannins. Expect raspberry, red cherry, strawberry and blackcurrant, often joined by violet, black pepper, dried herbs and earthy flavours.

One of Cabernet Franc’s signatures is a fresh herbal character, which can range from leafy and floral to hints of bell pepper depending on where and how the grapes are grown.

Warmer regions tend to produce riper, darker and richer styles, while cooler-climate Cabernet Franc can be lighter, fresher and more aromatic.

It has plenty of personality, but it doesn’t need to shout about it.

Food Pairings:

Cabernet Franc’s acidity and herbal character make it particularly useful around the dinner table.

For meat, try it with roast chicken, grilled chicken, pork chops, roast pork, steak, roast beef, lamb chops, lamb kebabs or sausages. It works especially well when rosemary, thyme or other herbs are involved.

Tomato is another great match. Pair it with lasagne, spaghetti bolognese, beef ragù, meatballs in tomato sauce, tomato and basil pasta or aubergine parmigiana.

For something meat-free, try stuffed peppers, grilled aubergine, mushroom pasta, lentil stew, roasted vegetables or tomato-based vegetable dishes.

It’s also a great partner for a cheese board, particularly goat’s cheese, Brie, Camembert or mature Cheddar.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon is the obvious next move for something fuller, darker and more structured.

Merlot offers softer tannins and plummier fruit, while Carménère is worth exploring if you particularly enjoy Cabernet Franc’s combination of fruit, herbs and spice.

You’ll also find Cabernet Franc playing an important role in Bordeaux blends, including wines from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Enjoyed this one? Give it a heart and we'll use your favourites to recommend other wines we think you'll love.

More About Cabernet Franc:

Cabernet Franc has strong associations with both Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. In Bordeaux, it’s commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while the Loire produces some brilliant wines where Cabernet Franc gets the spotlight to itself.

And the family tree gets interesting.

Cabernet Franc is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, which came from a natural crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s also a parent of Merlot and Carménère.

So while Cabernet Sauvignon might be the bigger celebrity these days, Cabernet Franc can quite reasonably claim it helped build the whole franchise.