Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Francis a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon.
A cross of it with Sauvignon Blanc resulted in Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Many of the red wines of the Loire are primarily Cabernet Franc.
Origins
- Bordeaux region.
- Parent (with Sauvignon Blanc) of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Was known as Bouchet in Bordeaux, or Breton in the Loire
- Introduced to Loire by 18thC
Characteristics
- Ripens early, so useful in cooler climates
- In comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon: more perfumed; less structured; can be more herbaceous/stalky - not that pleasant!; aromas of pencil shavings/lead pencil, also violets
Vinification / Maturation
- Vinification can vary. In the Loire can be made as charming, unoaked, fruity wine to be drunk the summer after the vintage; or more serious wine for ageing on the Bordeaux model.
Homelands
…within France
- The Libournais = right bank in Bordeaux: St. Emilion and Pomerol. Ripens well in slightly cooler zone. Blend ingredient: 15-25% left bank; 25-35% right bank. Summit: Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion (2/3 CF, 1/3 M)
- The Loire: Anjou-Saumur along the Loire and Vienne rivers - AOCs of Chinon, Bourgeuil, and St. Nicolas de Bourgeuil
Also to be found in…
- S.W. France
- Odd pockets in California, South Africa, New Zealand - rarely made as 100% varietal
Our Cabernet Franc Wines…

90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, grown on thinly-soiled, argilo-calcaire slopes, into barrel,...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Magnum150cl
CodeROG915
GrapeMerlot & Cabernet Franc

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Vieux Chantecaille, Saint-Emilion 2016
Full Bodied
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, into 50% new oak. Mickael Moze-Berthon has only 1.25...
OriginFrance
RegionBordeaux
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeVCH116
GrapeMerlot & Cabernet Franc

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Save £11.94
Domaine des Forges, Anjou Rouge, 2019
Medium Bodied
Pure Cabernet Franc, unoaked. Lively, juicy and energetic - we enjoy this wine for its honest,...
OriginFrance
RegionLoire
ColourRed
ABV12.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeFOR119
GrapeCabernet Franc

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Save £15.54
Unoaked, enticingly dramatic purple, with a perfume made up of berries and roses, this is...
OriginFrance
RegionLoire
ColourRed
ABV14%
Bottle75cl
CodeGUL318
GrapeCabernet Franc

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Save £30.60
Vriesenhof, Kallista, Stellenbosch, 2016
Full Bodied
A beautiful Bordeaux blend given ageing in plenty of new barrels, 40% Cabernet Franc, 35%...
OriginSouth Africa
RegionCeres
ColourRed
ABV13.5%
Bottle75cl
CodeVRI416
GrapeCabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot