Wine Encyclopedia/Red Grapes/Cabernet Franc
Red WineBordeaux, France

Cabernet Franc

Also known as: Bouchet, Breton

The parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc produces more elegant, aromatic wines with distinctive herbal notes. It shines in the Loire Valley and adds finesse to Bordeaux blends.

BodyMedium
AcidityHigh
TanninsMedium
SweetnessDry
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Cabernet Franc is one of the few red grapes that can ripen fully in cooler climates like the Loire Valley.

๐Ÿ‘ƒ Tasting Notes

Primary Flavors

RaspberryRed currantStrawberry

Secondary Flavors

Bell pepperTobaccoVioletsGraphite

Aromas

HerbsCrushed rocksSpice

๐ŸŒ Famous Wine Regions

Chinon

France
Pure varietal expression

Loire Valley benchmark with silky, elegant wines

Saint-ร‰milion

France
Right Bank elegance

Key blending partner, sometimes dominant

Finger Lakes

USA
American cool-climate style

Cool climate producing aromatic, food-friendly wines

Friuli

Italy
Northern Italian expression

Fresh, herbaceous style

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Perfect Food Pairings

Roast chicken
Grilled vegetables
Goat cheese
Salmon
Mushroom dishes

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Serving Guide

Temperature

14-16ยฐC (57-61ยฐF)

Glass Type

Bordeaux glass

Decanting

30 minutes to 1 hour

โณ Aging Potential

3-15 years

All Grape Varieties