Cabernet Franc Wine

Cabernet Franc wine is one of the most underrated red wines in the world. Many people are not very familiar with this wine, but it is the backbone to many great red wine blends. Producers in France commonly use this in their blends, specifically in Bordeaux.

On this page, you will uncover the history of this wine, its common flavors and aromas and some of the top wine regions growing this wine. Overall, you will get a clear pictures on why it is one of the most important red wines in the world.

History of French Wine: Cabernet Franc

To fully understand this French red wine, let's start with its place in history. There is some debate as to the exact location of its origin. Many associate it as being from Bordeaux originally, but is more likely from regions further south in France. It was then brought north -- first to the Loire Valley and then down to Bordeaux -- sometime in the 1700s.

Researchers discovered the key to the importance of this wine in 1997. At this time, they were conducting DNA research on many wines to fully understand their background and relationship to one another. During this research, they concluded that Cabernet Franc wine is a parent to one of the most grown red wines in the world -- Cabernet Sauvignon wine.

For years, wine makers planted both red and white wine grapes together in their vineyards. At some point, a Cabernet Franc vine crossed with the white wine Sauvignon Blanc. Researchers believe that this crossing of vines in the vineyard created the now famous Cabernet Sauvignon.

All About Cabernet Franc Wine

Cabernet Franc is a thinner skinned grape that grows well in temperate or cool climates. It ripens earlier than many other red wines, so the cooler temperatures ensure it ripens to its full potential before harvest.

The vines are tough enough to survive cold weather. This makes it the perfect match for regions located a little further north.

Cabernet Franc is a light to medium bodied type of red wine. At its best, it produces fruity wines with hints of raspberry, cherry, cedar and bell peppers. Common aromas include violets, herbs and grass.

For years, many producers only saw this as a blending grape. Many of the grapes produced had a high concentration of herbs and grassy tastes and aromas. These flavors made it unappealing as a single varietal wine. However, its ability to strengthen some wines and soften others made it a favored blending grape.

Recently, several producers unlocked the secret to growing Cabernet Franc grapes. This is now allowing them to create drinkable -- and enjoyable -- single varietal Cabernet Franc wines. In addition, some producers are also using this red wine type to make popular ice wines.

Top Cabernet Franc Wine Regions

Not only it is a blending grape, but it is one of the three most used grapes in the famous Bordeaux fine wine blend. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are the two main grapes in the blend. Petit Verdot and Malbec are also sometimes used.

Cabernet Franc wine is a key component to the Bordeaux blends on the right bank. Here Merlot is the lead wine and producers blend it with a high percentage of Cabernet Franc. In fact, one of the top wines -- it is also one of the most expensive -- in the region is made with a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc than Merlot.

Top regions on the right bank in Bordeaux include Saint Emilion and Pomerol. Both use Merlot and blend it with up to around 40% Cabernet Franc.

Producers on the left bank also use Cabernet Franc, but it usually comes in third behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Regions on this side using this French red wine type include St. Estephe and St. Julien.

The best examples of single varietal wines come from the region to the north of Bordeaux -- the Loire Valley. I tried one of these wines recently and it was a great find. It had the perfect balance of red fruit flavors, acidity and alcohol. We enjoyed it with a pizza dinner and it was a perfect compliment to the meal. It was also a great value under $20.

When buying this wine from the Loire Valley, look for those from one of these appellations: Chinon, Saumur & Bourgueil. They are the best examples of this wine in this region. Chinon seems to be the easiest one to find outside of France.

Anjou is another region in the Loire Valley using Cabernet Franc. This region creates a lighter rose wine from the Cabernet Franc grapes.

In addition to France, other regions around the world are trying out this wine. Wineries in Napa Valley California use it mainly as a blending grape for their Bordeaux style or Meritage blends. Also in the US, wineries on Long Island in New York and producers in Virginia are finding success with this grape.

Australia also grows quite a bit of this red wine, although it is mostly for their blends. You can also find it in some of the wines from Italy, Hungary, New Zealand and Argentina.

Other Key Facts About Cabernet Franc Wine

Cabernet Franc has a few different names. In the Loire Valley, they also call it Breton. Bouchy is the name sometimes used in the southern French wine regions. In Saint Emilion in Bordeaux, they sometimes refer to it as Bouchet.

Here are just a few comparisons between this wine and other popular reds.

• Cabernet Sauvignon Wine: Being a parent of this red wine, it has similarities to Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Cabernet Franc is a little softer with lower tannins. This makes it a perfect blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and helps smooth out this wine. Cabernet Franc has a thinner skin and lower acidity also.


• Merlot Wine: Cabernet Franc is more robust and stronger than Merlot. It creates a good structure to the wine when blended with Merlot. At the same time, its versatility ensures it does not overpower the best characteristics found in Merlot wine.


• Pinot Noir Wine: Cabernet Franc is much heavier than Pinot Noir. Both grow best in slightly cooler climates, but Cabernet Franc is not as tough to grow as Pinot Noir. Grapes for both reds have a thin skin, but Cabernet Franc has a slightly thicker and more resistant skin on its grapes.

The best way to learn even more about Cabernet Franc is to try one. Here are some quick links to find some of the best Cabernet Franc wines online:

• Single Varietal Wines
• Saint Emilion Blends - Merlot & Cabernet Franc
• Pomerol Blends - Merlot & Cabernet Franc