Grape · Red

Cabernet Franc

Cool climate

About

Parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenere. Herbaceous bell pepper aroma from methoxypyrazines. Lighter and more aromatic than Cabernet Sauvignon; key variety in Loire and Right Bank Bordeaux.

Typical profile

Body

Moderate

Tannins

Integrated

Acidity

Bright

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

strawberry raspberry bell pepper violet

Aged · develops with bottle time

leather wet earth tobacco thyme

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Possible

Aging

Loire styles drink well at 2-5 years; fuller Bordeaux styles can age 5-10+ years.

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

France

Bordeaux

Firmer↑Rounder↓

Riper, plummier, more structured. Key blending partner in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.

Loire Valley

Leaner↓

Cabernet Franc's spiritual home, on Loire tuffeau. Raspberry, violet, pencil shavings, and a peppery herbal lift from Chinon to firmer, more tannic Bourgueil.

Italy

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Lighter, herbaceous style used in both varietal and blended wines

United States

New York

Statewide signature red: bright red fruit, herbal lift, peppery spice. The Hudson and Finger Lakes versions are leaner; Long Island warmer and more structured.

Food pairings

herb-crusted rack of lamb with ratatouillegrilled portobello mushrooms with roasted red pepper couliscoq au vin with pearl onions and baconwild boar ragù with pappardelleroasted chicken with tarragon and green olivesgrilled salmon with lentil and bell pepper salad

Similar grapes

Pinot Noir

strawberryraspberryviolet

Mencía

raspberryviolet

Alfrocheiro

raspberryviolet

Ruché

strawberryraspberryviolet

Samtrot

strawberryraspberry

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cabernet Franc taste like?▼

Cabernet Franc offers bright red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry, with distinctive herbaceous bell pepper notes from natural compounds called methoxypyrazines. It's lighter and more aromatic than Cabernet Sauvignon, often showing violet florals when young.

Where does Cabernet Franc grow best?▼

Cabernet Franc thrives in cool climates and is particularly renowned in France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux's Right Bank regions. These cooler conditions help preserve its characteristic aromatic intensity and prevent the grape from becoming overly heavy.

What food pairs with Cabernet Franc?▼

The herbaceous, medium-bodied character of Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, herb-crusted lamb, and dishes featuring bell peppers or green herbs. Its bright acidity also complements goat cheese and charcuterie.

How does Cabernet Franc age?▼

With age, Cabernet Franc develops complex tertiary aromas of leather, earth, tobacco, and dried herbs, moving away from its youthful red fruit character. The wine becomes more integrated and sophisticated while maintaining its characteristic elegance.

Is Cabernet Franc similar to other similar grapes?▼

Cabernet Franc is actually the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère, so there are family resemblances. However, it's lighter and more herbaceous than Cabernet Sauvignon, and more aromatic and structured than Merlot.