The secret ingredient of Bordeaux: here’s what you need to know about Cabernet Franc

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Cabernet Franc is an early black grape variety mostly cultivated in the French Loire Valley and Bordeaux. Unlike the genetically related grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc ripens a little earlier, so it can usually be harvested before the possible fall rains begin.

Cabernet Franc is currently one of the 20 most planted grape varieties in the world. In below-average cool or wet years, the grapes produce wines with an extremely green and leafy flavor. However, ripening of vines can be promoted by avoiding dense leaf walls and removing targeted leaves.

Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux

More than 10,000 hectares of Cabernet Franc grapes have been planted in the Bordeaux viticulture region. Where the grape variety is used, it often adds notes of red berries, green pepper, fresh acidity and medium tannin.

While Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon usually dominates in a red Bordeaux, there are top-notch wines that allow Cabernet Franc to take the lead. For example, Château Cheval Blanc and Château Angelus from vintage 2021 or Château Ausone from 2017.

Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley

In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is the most widely planted black grape variety and is used to make single varieties of red wine and roses. Wines range from fresh, fruity sweeteners to structured and strong wines that have the potential to be stored in tall bottles due to their intense red berry fruit flavors and high acidity.

Although the stable Brett note has largely disappeared from Bordeaux over the past few decades, it is still relatively common in red Loire wines. If you are not satisfied with the wines, you should definitely try the wines before you buy them. By the way, Brett has nothing to do with Cabernet Franc as a grape variety, but more to do with cellar hygiene at the winery.

The most famous Loire regions for Cabernet Franc wines are Bourgueil, Chinon and Saumur-Champigny. Cabernet Franc has been successfully cultivated outside of France in Italy, Hungary, Canada and the USA, among others.

Source : Blick