Cabernet Franc

About Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc has its heart in the Loire, around Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny, and also plays a key role in the red blends of Bordeaux. It is an early-ripening grape that reaches maturity even in cooler years, giving reds that aim for freshness rather than power.

Character

Typical are aromas of raspberry, blackberry, violet and a recognisable herbaceous, lightly green touch of graphite, pencil lead and bell pepper. The tannin is fine-grained, the acidity lively, and the texture supple — refreshing rather than heavy.

In natural wine

Cabernet Franc is a much-loved grape in natural wine, especially in the Loire. Its fresh acidity and fine tannins lend themselves perfectly to juicy, low-intervention wines: spontaneous fermentation and low sulphur give lively, fragrant reds, from serious ageworthy bottles to light, chillable “glouglou”.

At the table

Versatile at the table: grilled red meat, poultry, charcuterie, chargrilled vegetables or a firm goat’s cheese. Serve lightly chilled (14–16 °C) to preserve the freshness and fragrant fruit.