Often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc plays a crucial role in the world of wine. With more than 33,000 hectares, the latter is in fact the 7th most planted grape variety in France and is a key variety for many appellations.
Here we invite you to discover all the characteristics of this fabulous grape variety: history, aromas, preferred appellations and even food and wine pairings, you will know All on Cabernet Franc after this reading!
History and origins of the Cabernet Franc
Although the exact origins of Cabernet Franc are difficult to establish with certainty, it is very likely that it is originally from the Spanish Pyrenees where he bore the name of "Biturica" . Written traces of the Roman writer Pliny the Elder as well as the agricultural engineer Columella also prove the presence of Cabernet Franc in the Bordeaux vineyards since the 1st century of our era. It is thus the oldest red grape variety in Bordeaux!
During the following centuries, the variety then widespread throughout the South West , where it would have been introduced by pilgrims returning from Santiago de Compostela during the 10th and 11th centuries.
It is also during this period that its presence is attested in another region which still makes it famous today: the Loire Valley . If its date of appearance in Loire lands is not known with certainty, Cabernet Franc arrived there by boat via the port of Nantes at a time when the Bretons maintained strong commercial alliances with the Bordeaux people. This is also the reason why Cabernet Franc East locally called "Breton" !
In the 16th century, it is notably cited in "Gargantua", a famous novel by Rabelais: " And by my beard, instead of a barrel, you'll have fifty sheets, I mean some leaves of this good Breton wine which does not come from Brittany, but from this good country of Véron . "
Rabelais' Gargantua likes "breton" (or Cabernet-franc)
In any case, Cabernet Franc certainly occupies a prominent place in the wine world since the Middle Ages .
At 18th century , Cabernet Franc is already a key grape variety in Bordeaux blends.
During the 19th and 20th centuries , Cabernet Franc continues to thrive, finding its place in international vineyards, notably in Italy (5,700 hectares), in China (3,000 hectares), in the United States (1,500 hectares) and in Australia, South Africa and Chile. Today, it is appreciated not only for its ability to produce elegant wines in single varietal , but also for its essential role in the assemblies , where it brings balance and complexity.
Where is Cabernet Franc grown?
On the 45,000 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted in the world, nearly 75% are in France (33,000 hectares).
With approximately 14,000 hectares, Bordeaux is the most important French region for the variety, equal with the Loire . Within the Bordeaux vineyard, Cabernet Franc is mainly located on the right bank , within names such as Pomerol And Saint-Emilion where it is blended with two other grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Merlot . Other minority varieties can also complement the vintages.
Cabernet Franc also shines in the Loire, where it covers about the same area as in Bordeaux (14,000 hectares). It is notably used in Anjou for the production of delicious single-varietal red wines within of names like Chinon , Saumur-Champigny, Bourgueil And Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil .
Finally, the wine region of Southwest also highlights Cabernet Franc within appellations such as Bergerac , Côtes-de-Bergerac, Pécharmant or even Gaillac and Irouléguy.
In an era of global warming and at a time when consumers are looking for more digestible wines, Cabernet Franc has many advantages to continue to develop in the world !
The characteristics of the Cabernet Franc
In the vineyard, Cabernet Franc is a vigorous grape variety which adapts well to different soils. However, it is particularly fond of terroirs calcareous and well drained . It is less demanding than Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of heat and is therefore suited to cooler climates. It is also less vulnerable to spring frosts thanks to its less precociousness compared to other varieties.
When tasting, Cabernet Franc can offer different registers depending on its region of origin, the soils on which it grows or even its vinification.
From an aromatic point of view , this one often presents aromas of red or black fruits ranging from strawberry to cherry to blackberry to blackcurrant. Some vegetal notes (pepper, eucalyptus) can also appear when it comes from a fresh terroir or vintage. With age, more complex aromas of tobacco, undergrowth and leather appear.
The tannic potential Cabernet Franc is rather high . This means that it can offer tannic vintages. and intense but also fine and silky wines: everything will depend on the winemaker's way of making wine as well as the type of wine he wishes to produce.
Acidity Cabernet Franc is rather high , contributing to the freshness wines as well as their liveliness in the mouth.
Finally, wines made from Cabernet Franc can present magnificent aging potential as proven by several Bordeaux and Loire vintages. Nevertheless, it is also a grape variety capable of producing delicious aperitif wines which will be appreciated simply and purely for pleasure.
The aromas of Cabernet Franc
What are the differences between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are often confused, with the latter's greater fame eclipsing the former.
However, Cabernet Franc is older than Cabernet Sauvignon. We can even go further: Cabernet Franc is simply the father of Cabernet Sauvignon! And yes, the latter is the result of an accidental cross made in the 17th century between Sauvignon blanc and...Cabernet-franc.
However, b Although the two grape varieties share a genetic relationship, There are several differences between them.
First of all, Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety that favors hot climates as well as the gravelly soils restoring heat. On the contrary, as seen previously, Cabernet-franc flourishes more under cooler climates and on calcareous soils drained.
From an aromatic point of view, Cabernet Sauvignon evolves on aromas of riper black fruits and intense than Cabernet Franc: plum, blackberry or cherry can thus be detected in both varieties but more regularly in the first. Cabernet Sauvignon also has a greater tendency to give off peppery notes.
Finally, wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are more tannic and own a more marked acidity than those made from Cabernet Franc alone.
So, if the two varieties are often assembled in Bordeaux or in the South-West, it is above all because their respective qualities balance and complement each other ideally.
Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon!
How to pair Cabernet Franc with food?
With its beautiful acidity, its distinctive aroma as well as its rather structured tannins, Cabernet-franc is a grape variety offering great possibilities at mealtime or as an aperitif. Let's take a look at the possibilities!
- Red meats : the fruitiness and tannic structure of Cabernet Franc perfectly balance the rich, smoky flavors of grilled meats. Thus, a Cabernet from the Southwest or Bordeaux will be perfectly suited to a prime rib, a rib steak or grilled meats!
- White meats : a medium tannic and fruity Cabernet will go divinely with a Sunday roast chicken or a pork tenderloin!
- Cheeses : Although white wines pair better with cheese, a young, low-tannin, fruity Cabernet Franc can pair with Brie or Camembert. Comté and Gruyère can also do the trick.
- Cold cuts : once again a Cabernet-franc on the fruit and not very tannic will be a hit with a platter of cold meats. Dry sausage, pork rillettes, pasta...everything is allowed!
To fully appreciate a Cabernet Franc, it is also essential to pay attention to its serving temperature . A young wine focused on freshness and deliciousness can thus be served around 14-16°C . If, on the other hand, you are dealing with denser and fuller-bodied Cabernets like those from Bordeaux, it will then be preferable to serve them around 16-18°C . Finally, do not hesitate to decant wines in their youth to reveal their aromas!
Pork tenderloin and Cabernet Franc: a delicious pairing!
The best Cabernet Francs
In France, the best Cabernet Francs are undoubtedly located in the Loire and in Bordeaux.
For example, we recommend the delicious red wines from Fabrice Gasnier domain , the absolute reference of the AOC Chinon. In the same way, THE Clos des Quarterons of the Amirault family offers wonderful single-plot vintages for laying down. Finally, still in the Loire, the Lamé Delisle Boucard estate enchants us with its vintage of pure fruit and pleasure “Déchaînée”.
Within the Bordeaux, many wines contain Cabernet Franc but there are few estates where it is the majority. Beyond the very famous Château Cheval Blanc, we therefore recommend the Premier Grand Cru Classé Trotte Vieille Castle on the AOC Saint-Émilion...a treat of complexity!
You are now an expert on Cabernet Franc, all you have to do is open a good bottle to put your new knowledge into practice! Cheers, and don't forget, The Illuminated Cellar is always available if you need advice!
