Understanding Cabernet Franc | Wine Inquirer - Tucson Wine ...

When most of us think Cabernet, it’s understandable that Cabernet Sauvignon comes to mind.  But it has a “sibling” that’s a prominent ingredient to award winning Bordeaux and is found as a pure varietal in the Chinon region of the Loire Valley.  While a different grape from the Cabernet Sauvignon, it does share many of the same qualities.  In 1997, thanks to DNA typing, it was established that Cabernet Franc is one of the parents (along with Sauvignon Blanc) of the regal Cabernet Sauvignon.

The history of Cabernet Franc harkens back to the 17th century when it was transported to the Loire Valley.  By the 18th century, it was well documented that the grape was producing quality wines.

While the two Cabs have similarities, Cab Franc buds and ripens at least one week earlier than its cousin, is easier to ripen and much less susceptible to poor weather during harvest.  This allows for the grapes to thrive in slightly cooler climates, such as the Loire Valley, than Cab Sauvignon.  Vines tend to be vigorous and upright producing small, blue-black berries with relatively thin skin and thrive in sandy, chalky soils. The vines are quite susceptible to over-cropping, producing wines that can display vegetal, green notes.

On average, Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux constitutes about 10% of a given vineyard.  The grape is used as a blending agent in Bordeaux wines along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and occasionally Malbec and often utilized in varying amounts depending upon the success of that vintage’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

The grape is found in many regions around the world from France’s Loire Valley and Libournais, Italy, Hungary, Spain, US, Canada, Croatia, Slovenia, and in very small amounts in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile.

As compared to Cabernet Sauvignon,  Cabernet Franc tends to be lighter colored, light-medium bodied, and less tannic, yielding a wine that offers a smoother mouth-feel with up front fruit along side raspberry, violets and graphite notes.  One of its distinguishing characteristics is a vegetal/green, herbaceousness, especially obvious in wines from grapes harvested early.

Some examples of top Cabernet Franc dominated wines include world renown Cheval Blanc and one of my personal affordable favorites, the Yannick Amirault Bourgueil line of Cabernet Francs.

Tags: Bordeaux, Bourgueil, cabermet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cheval Blanc, Loire, Loire Valley, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Yannick Amirault