International Cabernet Franc Day is December 4th and to celebrate we’re sharing just why this delicious grape is so special. To most this grape is better known as Cab Franc. Cab Franc is a red wine grape that can range from lighter to bolder in style, depending on the climate where it is grown. While there are single-varietal wines made exclusively from Cab Franc, this remarkably adaptable grape contributes to a diverse range of wine styles across various regions. It is often used in blends to add aromatic complexity, structure, and a signature herbal or spicy quality. Cab Franc plays a vital role in classic red blends especially in regions like Bordeaux, France. A Bordeaux blend typically consists of classic grape varieties native to the Bordeaux region in France, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of some of the world’s most popular grape varieties. For instance, it crossed with Sauvignon Blanc to create the beloved Cabernet Sauvignon. It also played a key role in the development of Merlot, and Carménère’s lineage can be traced back to Cab Franc as well. While the Cab Franc grape might not always be the star of the show, it has influenced the world of wine greatly and produced some of the most widely recognized wine grape varieties.
Bordeaux, France
Tasting Notes
Cabernet Franc offers a range of tasting notes that vary depending on the climate and terroir where it’s grown, but certain signature flavors are common. In cooler climates, Cab Franc typically has bright acidity and leaner flavors of red fruits, such as raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry, along with distinct herbal and vegetal notes like green bell pepper, dried herbs, or tomato leaf. These wines may also carry earthy undertones, like graphite, wet stone, or forest floor. In warmer climates, Cab Franc tends to show deeper, riper fruit notes, including blackberry, black cherry, and plum, with softer tannins and a rounder mouthfeel. Warm-climate versions may also develop spicier nuances, such as black pepper, cocoa, or even hints of licorice. Regardless of climate, Cab Franc is known for its floral aromas—violet and rose petals are common—as well as a subtle minerality and balanced acidity, making it an aromatic, elegant red wine with a distinctive blend of fruit, floral, and savory qualities.
Cabernet Franc Food Pairings
Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux blends, with their balance of fruit, acidity, and often earthy or herbaceous notes, pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Grilled or roasted meats like lamb, beef, and pork bring out their depth, while mushroom-based dishes and roasted vegetables complement their earthy undertones. Charcuterie and cheeses, such as goat cheese and mild blue varieties, enhance their savory notes. Tomato-based pasta dishes, herb-rubbed poultry, and foods with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme also pair nicely, balancing the wines’ structure and flavor complexity. These wines’ versatility makes them ideal companions for meals rich in savory and herbal flavors.
We’ve gathered five of our favorite Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux-style wines to make this holiday truly special!
Cakebread Napa Valley Cabernet Franc
The Cakebread Cabernet Franc opens with expressive aromas of violet, blackberry, and dried herbs, inviting you into a lush palate of ripe cherry and wild berry flavors, subtly accented by hints of green tea, clove, and fennel. Elegantly structured, this wine balances firm tannins with bright, refreshing acidity, showcasing mineral undertones that add depth to its profile. The finish is long and lingering, dominated by ripe black fruit, making each sip both memorable and refined. A true delicious expression of the Cabernet Franc grape!
Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard
The Craggy Range Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is a striking Bordeaux-style blend from New Zealand’s renowned Gimblett Gravels. Deep crimson red in color, it offers a concentrated nose of cassis, black olive, and dried tobacco. The palate is vibrant and energetic, with red fruit and liquorice flavors beautifully amplified by dark chocolate-laced tannins. This wine showcases a classical structure, elegantly framed by its firm tannins, making it a perfect example of a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend. Comprised of 49% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot, it reflects the exceptional terroir of the Gimblett Gravels.
Montes Alpha M
The Montes Alpha M from Chile’s Colchagua Valley is an impressive Bordeaux-style blend with deep ruby-red hues. The nose is dominated by aromas of ripe strawberry, cherry, and cassis, offering an inviting bouquet. On the palate, the rich fruit is complemented by subtle hints of mint, leather, and cedar, adding depth to the wine’s profile. Its texture is opulent, featuring silky tannins and a full body that lingers with complex and layered aromas. Crafted from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine beautifully showcases the elegance of a Bordeaux blend with a distinctly Chilean expression.
Norton Reserva Cabernet Franc
The Norton Reserva Cabernet Franc is a captivating wine from Argentina’s Uco Valley, crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, it reveals an enticing blend of ripe dark berries, accompanied by a subtle touch of dried herbs. The palate is rich and mouth-filling, offering flavors of dried cherry complemented by hints of dried mint, which add a refreshing lift to the silky tannins. This wine strikes a beautiful balance between depth and freshness, showcasing the unique character of the Uco Valley terroir.
Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT
The Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT is a luxurious Bordeaux-style blend from Tuscany, Italy. It presents a striking ruby red color with violet hues, and its bouquet is intense and complex, offering layers of succulent red fruits that evolve into spicy notes of licorice and roasted coffee. The wine is powerful and well-structured, with velvety tannins that balance harmoniously with a vibrant, crisp character. Its finish is long and savory, leaving a memorable impression. Composed of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, Oreno reflects the elegance of a classic Bordeaux blend with a unique Tuscan flair.
