Cabernet Franc is a father of two most important wine varietals planted in Bordeaux wine region of France. Cab Franc is a father of Cabernet Sauvignon (mother is Sauvignon Blanc) as well as father of Merlot (obscure mom). Crossing between two beautiful parents Cab Franc and Sauv Blanc to create Cab Sauv. happened in the 16th century somewhere between Bordeaux and Loire Valley, France.
So, Cabernet Franc, the major black grape variety in the world, has lived in the shadows of the Cabernet Sauvignon far too long. Enough is enough!
Having famous children does not always translate to quality parenthood but in this case it did. Cab Franc is one of the most important grape varieties in its native France (90,000 acres), and is now grown all over the world, especially in US, Australia, South Africa, South America (Chile), and Italy. At home in France and around the globe it is used both as a single varietal, as in the Loire Valley, and as a blending grape, as it is in Bordeaux, especially in Saint Emilion.
BORDEAUX FAMILY
Beautiful Bordeaux wine family famous for power, ambitions, connections, as well as tannins and sometimes green bell pepper aromas consists of: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Sometimes, Carménère (lost child who went to Argentina) is also added to the mix.
Cabernet Franc is a single (100%) varietal in the famous wine region Loire Valley, especially in the sub region Chinon and Saumur-Champigny. Cabernet Franc is a blending grape in Bordeaux wine region, where it is added to the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot on the Left Bank or to the dominant Merlot on the Right Bank.
AROMAS AND FLAVORS
While Cab Franc’s aromas and flavors will vary depending on where they are grown, winemakers and wine lovers are captivated by its combination of fruity and savory characteristics. Bordeaux family of wines are known for green bell paper (pyrazines) aromas and flavors. Good examples of Cab Franc (CF) will have these naturally occurring slightly green bell peppery aromas wrapped seamlessly in the soft blanket of red-blue-black fruits that will translate to flavors of raspberries, blackberries, red plums, and dark cherries along with pencil lead, crushed rock, tobacco, and earthy meaty notes that are parts of Cab Franc rugged charm (Mmm, so good and tasty- salivating just describing it!).
PAIRING
Cabernet Franc’s high tannins make it a good choice when steak is on the grill, but you can also use its herbaceous qualities to your advantage and pair it with grilled vegetables and hearty stews. It’s also terrific alongside baby back ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Spanish cheese and goat cheese are best pairing for Cab Franc. It’s that vegetal acidity and subtle power that pairs beautifully with these cheeses, and that is really fun!
Although one of the most treasured Cabernet Franc wines comes from the St.-Emilion appellation in Bordeaux (France), made by Château Cheval Blanc ($1,000), you can try good Cab Franc this (or any) month for $40+ from Chinon, France or Napa Valley. I would suggest starting with Chinon.
—By Len Tolstunov, WSET3, Founder of the Calistoga Wine Society, Tribune contributor
Len Tolstunov became interested in wines and took a WSET educational wine course and passed level 3 with honors in 2016. Winemaking was the next adventure for Len and, after planting Cabernet Sauvignon vines in his front yard of their new house, Len started to make wine in 2018, learning from books and from many great home winemakers in town ready to help with any advice. In 2022 at the end of the pandemic, Len conceived the idea of the Wine Society for our town as a unifying force for those who loved wine and wanted to meet more neighbors as well as learn more about wine.
