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BORDEAUX - FRANCE
Normally found in a blend with Merlot and possibly Cabernet Sauvignon, you won’t find much single varietal Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux. However, it does contribute intense floral notes, acidity, and a finesse not seen with the other Bordeaux varieties. Look to the Right Bank to find Cabernet Franc dominant wines. Many of these are fuller bodied, high in tannin, and can age for a decade.
One of the most treasured Cabernet Franc wines comes from the St. Emilion Appellation in Bordeaux and is called Chateau Cheval Blanc. This wine is traditionally a blend of Cabernet Franc with Merlot
LOIRE VALLEY - FRANCE
Located in northern France this cool-climate growing region is where you will find a lighter bodied version of Cabernet Franc, with lighter tannins and a focus on red fruit flavors, floral notes, and a herbal side.
The Chinon AOC is the best known appellation in the Loire Valley for Cabernet Franc. A great example will smell of roasted red pepper, raspberry sauce, jalapeño, fresh raspberry, and wet gravel. On the palate you’ll taste high acidity and moderately low tannin. Flavors of sour cherry, smoky tomato, dried oregano, and sweet pepper dominate. The taste will burst through your palate and drop out quickly with a subtle tingle from the acidity.
TUSCANY - ITALY
Italy is the second largest producer of Cabernet Franc. Much of it is made in Friuli-Venezia Giulia but perhaps the most well-known Italian Cabernet Franc wines come from Tuscany. Since Cabernet Franc is not indigenous to Italy and declassified out of the Italian DOCG system these wines are lovingly referred to as Super Tuscans.
The Bolgheri DOC produces amazing Super Tuscans, many of which are based on Cabernet Franc. A great example of a “Super Tuscan” Cabernet Franc will have ripe and rich aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, red pepper flakes and a hint of chalky dry gravel and leather. This is due to the warmer climate. On the palate there will be boldness from elevated alcohol with mocha, cinnamon, and plum flavors complimented by medium-high acidity and moderately high tannin. It’s common to find Cabernet Franc from Tuscany aged in French oak for additional body and richness.
CALIFORNIA
There is Cabernet Franc growing throughout California, but few regions champion it as a single-varietial wine. Enter the Sierra Foothills. This off-the-radar region in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains typically produces an opulent, fruit-forward style of Cabernet Franc. A great example of Sierra Foothills Cabernet Franc will have bold aromas of sweet strawberries, raspberry, mint, and roasted jalapeño. On the palate you’ll taste bold fruit from elevated alcohol and flavors of chocolate and baking spices from oak-aging.
WASHINGTON STATE
Cabernet Franc started as an experimental block at Washington State in the 1970s. A decade later, Red Willow Vineyard contained plantings that were primarily used for Bordeaux blends. In the 90s, Columbia Winery and Chateau Ste Michelle released single-varietal bottlings.
Today, Cabernet Franc does exceptionally well in the continental climate of Washington State, yet it plays second fiddle to the more favorable Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes. In 2017, only 277 ha existed, with plantings in Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope, and Lake Chelan. Most of the Cabernet Franc is used for Bordeaux blends, but there are superb examples when bottled as a single varietal.
Washington's profile tends to include aroumas of dark cherry, blueberry and herbs with some notes wet stones on a moderate palate. Traditionally well balance wines that are the perfect combination between the minerality/acidity, herbal/earthy tones, and the cherry/blueberry Tend to be portrayed as youthful wines with similarities to Loire Valley Cabernet Francs.
SOUTH AFRICA
Cabernet Franc was first planted by Warwick Estate in the 1980s, and is now the 14th most planted grape grown in South Africa, with 934 ha in 2010. Most of it is grown in the Stellenbosh and Paarl regions, known to be rich in limestone and chalk soils, producing wines that are fragrant, earthy and spicy, with quality increasing year after year.
South African Cabernet Francs boast vibrant, rich flavors of berries, cherries, and chocolate, with a subtle hint of green bell pepper. Unlike other Cabernet Francs from France or California, South African wine varieties are characterized by bright acidity and a distinctly jammy mouthfeel.
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