Discover Cabernet Franc, a grape which, despite being the parent of two of the most famous grapes, has never managed to take center stage. But today, with changing consumer trends towards lighter, versatile red wines and the threat of climate change, it's finally time for Cabernet Franc to shine.
Whether you're new to Cabernet Franc or already a devotee, here's everything you need to know about this underrated superstar.
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What is Cabernet Franc?
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The Loire Valley: Home of Cabernet Franc
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Cabernet Franc beyond the Loire
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Flavour profile of Cabernet Franc
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Food pairing with Cabernet Franc
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The Cabernet Franc renaissance
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Our Cabernet Franc selection
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What is Cabernet Franc?
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties, likely originating in the Basque region of France before making its way to Bordeaux and eventually the Loire Valley. In the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu transported cuttings to the Loire Valley, where they were planted at the Abbey of Bourgueil under the care of monks, giving birth to what would become one of France's most iconic wine regions for this grape.
Here's where it gets interesting: Cabernet Franc crossed naturally with Sauvignon Blanc to create Cabernet Sauvignon, and it's also a parent of Merlot. Yes, the two most famous Bordeaux grapes owe their existence to Cabernet Franc!
Character profile:
- Body: Light to medium (lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon)
- Tannins: Moderate, refined, elegant
- Acidity: High (making it food-friendly and age-worthy)
- Alcohol: Typically 12-13.5% (perfect for modern drinking)
- Signature aromatics: Violets, red berries, pencil shavings, bell pepper, and herbaceous notes
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The Loire Valley: Home of Cabernet Franc
While Bordeaux uses Cabernet Franc in blends, the Loire Valley showcases it as a single-varietal star.Ā
Cabernet Franc buds and ripens about a week earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing it to thrive in cooler climates like the Loire Valley. This early ripening is crucial, because it means Cabernet Franc can achieve full flavour ripeness in cooler regions where Cabernet Sauvignon would struggle.
33% of the world's Cabernet Franc vines are in the Loire Valley, where four appellations have built their reputations entirely on this grape.
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The famous Cabernet Franc appellations
Chinon
The best-known Loire appellation for Cabernet Franc, Chinon produces wines with roasted red pepper, raspberry, jalapeƱo, fresh herbs, and wet gravel aromas. On the palate, expect high acidity, moderate tannins, sour cherry, smoky tomato, and that signature herbaceous character. Chinon ranges from light and fruity to structured and age-worthy depending on the vineyard site.
Best for: Those new to Cabernet Franc. It's the most approachable and food-friendly style.
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Bourgueil & Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Cabernet Franc was first planted here by monks of Bourgueil Abbey in the 10th century. These wines tend to be more structured than Chinon, with gravel and limestone soils creating wines with backbone and aging potential. Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil is a sub-appellation within Bourgueil, generally producing slightly lighter, more immediately appealing wines.
Best for: Wine collectors looking for age-worthy Cabernet Franc that develops complexity over 5-10 years.
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Saumur-Champigny
Once the source of simple Parisian cafƩ wine, Saumur-Champigny now produces rich, pure expressions with complexity and wonderfully pure red-fruit cores. The transformation here has been remarkable, the wines are ripe, dense, and often aged in oak, showing what Cabernet Franc can achieve in warmer vintages.
Best for: Fans of riper, fuller-bodied reds who want Cabernet Franc with power alongside elegance.
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Cabernet Franc beyond the Loire
While the Loire is Cabernet Franc's home, fascinating expressions are emerging worldwide:
Bordeaux (Right bank): In Saint-Ćmilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac, Cabernet Franc plays a major blending role alongside Merlot. It adds finesse and elegant tannins to Merlot's roundness. The legendary ChĆ¢teau Cheval Blanc is often 50%+ Cabernet Franc, proving this grape can create world-class, age-worthy wines.
Italy (Friuli & Tuscany): Italy is the second-largest producer of Cabernet Franc. In Friuli, it creates fresh, Loire-like styles, while in Tuscany, it's a key component of Super Tuscans, bringing balance and elegance to Bolgheri blends.
California (Sierra Foothills): The Sierra Foothills produce opulent, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc with bold strawberry and raspberry aromas, chocolate notes from oak ageing, and riper fruit character thanks to the sunny climate.
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Flavour profile of Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc's signature is its herbaceous, savoury character. But its intensity will depend on its age:
When Young (1-3 years):
- Violets, dark summer fruits, red berries
- Fresh herbs (oregano, basil, mint)
- Bell pepper, jalapeƱo
- Bright acidity, juicy fruit
When Mature (5-10+ years):
- Pencil shavings, tobacco, sous-bois (forest floor)
- Dried herbs, leather
- More integrated tannins
- Complex, savory character
The "pencil shavings" descriptor is Cabernet Franc's most famous feature. That distinctive graphite, cedar character comes with age. Once you taste it, you'll recognise it instantly.
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Food pairing with Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc's high acidity makes it incredibly versatile with food, pairing well with tomato-based dishes, vinegar-based sauces (BBQ), and rich vegetables. Here's the golden rule: match Cabernet Franc with herbs in your dish.
Perfect pairings:
Herb-forward dishes:
- Roast lamb with rosemary
- Chicken with thyme and sage
- Herbes de Provence anything
Tomato-based:
- Pasta with marinara or Bolognese
- Pizza (especially with fresh basil)
- Eggplant parmigiana
Grilled & charred:
- BBQ with vinegar-based sauces
- Grilled vegetables (peppers, eggplant, zucchini)
- Smoky, charred meats
Vegetarian:
- Lentil dishes (the wine's earthiness loves lentils)
- Mushroom preparations
- Roasted root vegetables
Cheese:
- Goat cheese (classic Loire pairing!)
- Aged ComtƩ
- Mild cheddars
Pro tip: Light-bodied Loire Cabernet Franc works with lighter meats like chicken or turkey, while fuller-bodied examples handle richer preparations.
The Cabernet Franc renaissance
Here's where Cabernet Franc shines in 2025: it's one of the best grapes for serving chilled. Loire Cabernet Franc, especially lighter styles from Chinon or Bourgueil, absolutely shine when served at 12-14Ā°C. And as we know, chilled reds are one of the biggest wine trends in the summer and beyond.Ā
Not only Cabernet Franc is benefiting from consumer trends, but also from climate change, where the warming climate in Loire made its wine more complex, but also makes it a reliable partner in changing time.
Our Cabernet Franc selection
At Forest Wines, we stock exceptional Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley and beyond:
L'Hurluberlu, Sebastien David (Loire Valley, France) - Ā£21 Vibrant red berries, cherries, and plums with herbal notes and earthiness. Fresh acidity and expressive aromatics make this perfect for a wide range of dishes from lamb to charcuterie.
Domaine des Roches Neuves, Thierry Germain, Saumur-Champigny (Loire Valley, France) - Ā£24 Lively aromas of irises, violets, and red fruits with a smoky finish. Balanced, ripe palate with subtle tannins, ideal for grilled or roasted lamb.
Olga Raffault, Chinon 'Les Barnabes' (Loire Valley, France) - Ā£28 Dark berries, blackcurrants, and herbs with smooth tannins and balanced acidity. A touch of earthiness enhances lamb's savoury qualities, perfect for grilled or roasted preparations.
šĀ Browse our full Loire Valley selection to discover more exceptional Cabernet Franc.
