Often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc nevertheless plays a crucial role in the wine world. With more than 33,000 hectares, it is indeed the 7th most planted grape variety in France and is a key variety for many appellations.
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 everything about Cabernet Franc after reading this!
History and Origins of Cabernet Franc
Although the exact origins of Cabernet Franc are difficult to establish with certainty, it is very likely that it originated from the Spanish Pyrenees where it was known as "Biturica". Written records from the Roman writer Pliny the Elder and the agronomist Columella also prove the presence of Cabernet Franc in the Bordeaux vineyard since the 1st century AD.It is thus the oldest red grape variety in Bordeaux!
During the following centuries, the variety then spread throughout the Southwest, where it is believed to 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 still renowned today: the Loire Valley. While the exact date of its appearance in the Loire lands is not known with certainty, Cabernet Franc is believed to have arrived there by boat via the port of Nantes at a time when the Bretons maintained strong commercial alliances with the Bordelais.This is indeed the reason why Cabernet Franc is locally called "breton"!
In the 16th century, it is notably mentioned in "Gargantua," the famous novel by Rabelais: "And by my beard, instead of a barrel, you shall have fifty kegs, I mean kegs of this good Breton wine which does not come from Brittany, but from this good land of Véron."
Gargantua by Rabelais loves the "breton" (or Cabernet Franc)
In any case, Cabernet Franc certainly holds a prominent place in the wine world since the Middle Ages.
In the 18th century, Cabernet Franc was already a key grape variety in Bordeaux blends.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Cabernet Franc continued 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), as well as in Australia, South Africa, and Chile. Today, it is appreciated not only for its ability to produce elegant single-varietal wines, but also for its essential role in blends, where it brings balance and complexity.
Where is Cabernet Franc grown?
Of the 45,000 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted worldwide, nearly 75% are in France (33,000 hectares).
With approximately 14,000 hectares, Bordeaux is the most important French region for the variety, on par with the Loire.Within the Bordeaux vineyard, Cabernet Franc is primarily located on the right bank, in appellations such as Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, where it is blended with two other grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Other minor varieties can also complement the blends. Cabernet Franc also shines in the Loire, where it covers approximately 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 appellations such as Chinon, Saumur-Champigny, Bourgueil, and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil.
Finally, the Southwest wine region also highlights Cabernet Franc within appellations such as Bergerac, Côtes-de-Bergerac, Pécharmant, as well as Gaillac and Irouléguy.
In the era of climate change and at a time when consumers are seeking more digestible wines, Cabernet Franc has many advantages to continue developing around the world!
The characteristics of Cabernet Franc
In the vineyard, Cabernet Franc is a vigorous grape variety that adapts well to different soils. However, it particularly favors limestone and well-drained terroirs.It is less demanding than Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of heat and is therefore suitable for cooler climates. It is also less vulnerable to spring frosts due to its later ripening compared to other varieties.
In tasting, Cabernet Franc can offer different profiles depending on its region of origin, the soils on which it grows, or its vinification.
From an aromatic point of view, it often presents aromas of red or black fruits ranging from strawberry to cherry, including blackberry and blackcurrant. Some vegetal notes (bell pepper, eucalyptus) may also appear when it comes from a cool terroir or vintage. With age, more complex aromas of tobacco, undergrowth, and leather emerge.
The tannic potential of Cabernet Franc is rather high. Thus, it can offer tannic and intense cuvées but also fine and silky wines: it all depends on the winemaker's vinification method and the type of wine they wish to produce.
The acidity of Cabernet Franc is rather high, contributing to the freshness of the wines as well as their liveliness on the palate.
Finally, wines made from Cabernet Franc can have magnificent aging potential as demonstrated by several Bordeaux and Loire cuvées.Nevertheless, it is also a grape variety capable of producing delicious aperitif wines that can be enjoyed simply and out of pure indulgence.
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 greater notoriety of the latter overshadowing the former.
Yet, Cabernet Franc is older than Cabernet Sauvignon. We can even go further: Cabernet Franc is simply the father of Cabernet Sauvignon! Indeed, the latter is the result of an accidental crossbreeding in the 17th century between Sauvignon Blanc and...Cabernet-franc.
Nevertheless, although the two grape varieties share a genetic relationship, several differences set them apart.
First of all, Cabernet-sauvignon is a grape variety that favors warm climates as well as gravelly soils that retain heat. In contrast, as previously mentioned, Cabernet-franc thrives better in cooler climates and on well-drained limestone soils.
From an aromatic perspective, Cabernet-sauvignon develops riper and more intense black fruit aromas than Cabernet-franc: plum, blackberry, or cherry can be detected in both varieties but more frequently in the former.Cabernet Sauvignon also tends to exhale peppery notes.
Finally, wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon are more tannic and have a more pronounced acidity than those made solely from Cabernet Franc.
Thus, if the two varieties are often blended in Bordeaux or the Southwest, it is primarily 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 at the table?
With its beautiful acidity, distinctive aroma, and rather robust tannins, Cabernet Franc is a grape variety offering great possibilities at meal or aperitif time. Let's explore the possibilities!
- Red meats : the fruitiness and tannic structure of Cabernet Franc perfectly balance the rich and smoky flavors of grilled meats.Thus, a Cabernet from the Southwest or Bordeaux will be quite suitable with a rib of beef, a rib steak, or grilled meats!
- White meats : a medium tannic and fruity Cabernet will pair divinely with a Sunday roast chicken or a pork tenderloin!
- Cheeses : although white wines pair better with cheeses, a young Cabernet Franc, low in tannins and fruity, can be paired with Brie or Camembert. Comté and Gruyère can also do the trick.
- Charcuterie : once again, a fruity and low tannic Cabernet Franc will be a hit with a charcuterie platter. Dry sausage, pork rillettes, pâtés...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 indulgence can be served around 14-16°C. If, on the other hand, you are dealing with denser and more full-bodied Cabernets like those from Bordeaux, it is preferable to serve them around 16-18°C.Finally, do not hesitate to decant young wines to reveal their aromas!
Pork tenderloin and Cabernet Franc: a delicious pairing!
The best Cabernet Francs
In France, the best Cabernet Francs are undoubtedly found in the Loire and Bordeaux.
We recommend, for example, the delicious red wines from the domaine Fabrice Gasnier, an absolute reference of the AOC Chinon. Similarly, the Clos des Quarterons from the Amirault family offers wonderful parcel-based aging wines.Finally, still in the Loire, the domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard delights us with its pure fruit and pleasure cuvée "Déchaînée".
In the Bordeaux region, many wines contain Cabernet Franc, but few estates have it as the majority. Beyond the famous Château Cheval Blanc, we therefore recommend the Premier Grand Cru Classé Château Trotte Vieille in the AOC Saint-Émilion...a delight of complexity!
You are now an expert on Cabernet Franc, all that's left is to open a good bottle to put your new knowledge into practice! Cheers, and don't forget,
