Meet Cabernet Franc: The Parent of Cabernet Sauvignon and a Rising Star
Everyone knows Cabernet Sauvignon, since it is THE most planted red grape variety when it comes to global vineyard hectare size from all over the world with 341000 hectares. But only few know that Cabernet Franc is the one that deserves way more spotlight, even though the global hectare size is a mere 53000 hectares.
A little fun side note about this grape variety: It was the grape variety that Charles Chevalier the ex technical director of Chateau Lafite Rothschild always wanted to sneak into his blends. Why? Because it offers something special— almost like a bridge between freshness and complexity, elegance and structure. And unlike many trendy grapes, it has pedigree, history, and a very personal connection to some of the finest wines in the world at once.
A Grape With Deep Roots
Cabernet Franc is older than Cabernet Sauvignon, its genetic child (the other parent is Sauvignon Blanc as mentioned above). Some experts trace its origins back to Roman times, while others suggest the Basque Country on the French-Spanish border. Its age is reflected in the many synonyms it has collected across regions and languages—proof of how long it's been cultivated and loved.
It's all Cabernet Franc!
Here's a quick cheat sheet with all the synonyms of Cabernet Franc!
France: Bouchet (Saint-Émilion), Bouchy (Madiran), Breton (Loire Valley), Bidure (Bordeaux), Gros Bouchet, Grosse Vidure, Carmenet, Plant Breton, Plant de l'Abbé Breton, Véron, Véronais, Sable Rouge, Capbreton Rouge, Trouchet, Noir Dur
Italy: Cabernet Francese, Cabernet Frank, Bordò
Spain: Verdejilla Tinto
Greece: Tsapournakos
Switzerland: Bordeaux
What Makes Cabernet Franc So Special?
Cabernet Franc is definitely not as powerful as Cabernet Sauvignon. What you can expect with this grape variety is perfume, elegance and subtlety.
It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, hence it is ideal for cooler climates and also for vintage variability.
The wines we get often have a medium-bodied with hints of red cherry, raspberry, cassis, violet, and sometimes a touch of eucalyptus or green bell pepper—if it's picked underripe.
But exactly this green edge, which is often referred to as “pyrazines”, is a double-edged sword. At its best, it brings freshness and complexity, but overcropped or poorly managed vineyards it can quickly tip into harsh greenness. Winemakers must walk a tightrope to get it just right. Those who succeed produce some of the most refined and food-friendly reds in the world.
A Wine of Place
Cabernet Franc's ability to show terroir makes it even more interesting as its expression changes significantly depending on where it is grown and what we have done for you here is we've put together a small collection of wines that you should not miss:
Loire Valley, France
When talking Cab Franc Loire Valley is a must. Appellations like Chinon, Bourgueil, or even Saumur-Champigny are the ones that are ultimately linked to this grape variety. For all those who love florality, brightness and expressiveness in their wines, this is the place to pick from.
Bordeaux, France
As a country with the highest portion of Cabernet Franc with over 31000 ha and making up more than 9% of the regional vineyard size with roughly 12000ha in Bordeaux, when you go there, the biggest portion you gonna find will be most probably on the Right Bank in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, where estates like Château Cheval Blanc and Château Angélus demonstrate the grape's depth when blending it in with Merlot.
Friuli, Italy
Particularly here in Friuli but also those examples from Bolgheri are worth a trial, as the warmer conditions yield richer, more concentrated styles in contrast to the French counterparts.
Mendoza, Argentina
This is an emerging hotspot for Cabernet Franc. High-altitude vineyards in Mendoza and the Uco Valley produce Cabernet Francs of incredible purity and structure. One of my personal favorites is the Cabernet Franc of ElEnemigo's winemaker Alejandro Vigil, who is also winemaker of the wines of Dr. Laura Catenas winery Catena Zapata.
Villány, Hungary
Especially the wines from Villány, which is also called ‘Hungarys' Bordeaux', are worth a trial. Numerous wine professionals have made their note claiming ‘Cabernet Franc has found a 2nd home in Villány'. Whether this is to be proven right or wrong, only you can tell. What is for certain, is that as single-varietal Cabernet Franc has developed a strong identity and reputation.
Niagara Peninsula, Canada
In Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, where we do have cooler temperatures in general, the grape variety delivers striking purity and fruit.
The Global Picture
Globally, France leads with 32,000 hectares, and is mostly split between the Loire and the Aquitaine, followed by Italy (7,000 ha), China (5,000 ha) where it was sometimes confused with Carmenère, some smaller plantings in South America and Eastern Europe.
The Winemaker's Challenge
Cabernet Franc might be easy to love, but it's not always easy to grow. What it doesn't stand for is its drought tolerance, swell and prefers moderate conditions with good drainage. Despite there being over 30 clones, only four are widely used in commercial vineyards—limiting genetic diversity. This is slowly changing, especially as Bordeaux producers replant with Cabernet Franc in response to climate change.
Interestingly, some of the best modern Bordeaux wines—especially on the Right Bank—are increasing their Cabernet Franc content. ‘Why is this the case?' you might be wondering. Winemakers appreciate its aromatic lift, acidity, and ability to age gracefully. Even Château Cheval Blanc in the vintage of 1990 was made of 98% Cabernet Franc.
Why Now?
In a wine world often chasing the next ‘new hype', Cabernet Franc can give you both heritage and relevance. What we get is just in line with today' s consumer preferences: A wine with lower alcohol, freshness, sustainability, and versatility. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes—from grilled vegetables and poultry to duck breast and herby lamb.
I would not wait anymore! Order your Cabernet Franc through VinoVoss and see for yourself!
Cheers!
Lotte Gabrovits
