Cabernet Franc: The Mystery, History, and Expressions
Where is it Grown, Wine Recommendations
I love both Old World (Europe) and New World (Americas) versions of Cabernet Franc. Typically, Cabernet Franc had been known as a “blending grape” and an important part of most Bordeaux red wine blends. Were you aware that Cabernet Franc grapes sell for the highest price per ton in Napa Valley? Or, that it is the celebrated red wine of the Loire Valley? Were you aware that Cabernet Franc is the genetic father of Cabernet Sauvignon, the world’s most popular red? Let’s clear up the mystery and history and discuss Cabernet Franc’s many expressions.
Cabernet Franc Obscure Origins: Mystery and History
The mystery in the history of Cabernet Franc is that it showed up in France when Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1643) transported cuttings of the vine to the Loire Valley, and they were planted at the Abbey of Bourgueil. By the 18th century, plantings of Cabernet Franc were found throughout Pomerol and St. Emilion on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The grape most likely came from some obscure, old never-categorized grape varieties in the French Basque country. Perhaps this grape is overshadowed as it has reached much of its fame from being a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. The price per ton it is achieving in today’s market is impressive.
In 2023, the highest average price per ton went to Cabernet Franc at $10,633/ton…somewhat of a surprise as there were only 1,213 grape-bearing acres of Cabernet Franc in 2023 in Napa Valley.
“ In 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (25,000 acres) were harvested and sold at an average price of $9,235/ton”. – May 7, 2024 – Napa County California countyofnapa.org
What are the Expressions of Cabernet Franc?
Well-made single varietal Cabernet Franc has a mixture of savory, tart, and herbal flavors. It can smell like red fruits-- strawberry and raspberry, black fruits like ripe blackberry, blueberries, plum, black cherry, violets, and even pencil lead. If harvested at the wrong time, however, it can have a distinct bell-pepper aroma. I love the aromatics of this wine. Try a rosé Cabernet Franc. The aromatics are impressive. I have recommended several 100-Point wines below.
Where Do You Find a Cabernet Franc Single Variety Wine?
France makes the most Cabernet Franc in the world with 128,495 planted acres (49% in Loire Valley and 33% in Bordeaux). I love a well-crafted Cabernet Franc whether it’s a Chinon or Bourgueil/Cabernet Franc AOC from France’s Loire Valley, a high-% blend from the right bank of Bordeaux like Château Cheval Blanc, a Super Tuscan from Italy’s Bolgheri DOC, a Catena or Gran Enemigo Gualtallary from Mendoza, Argentina, or a beautiful Napa Valley Single varietal wine like that produced by Elizabeth Vianna, GM/Winemaker at Chimney Rock, Stags Leaps AVA, California. See September 14, 2021 “Chimney Rock Winery: Stags Leap- Napa Valley, Interview with Elizabeth Viana, GM and Winemaker.” Try a Single-Varietal or High % Blend Cabernet Franc and you’ll be highly satisfied with its distinct aromas and flavors in various expressions.
Recommended Wines
2019 El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina, $135
Robert Parker, 100 Points (it has 15% Malbec.)
2017 Chimney Rock Cabernet Franc Stages Leap District, $100
Wine Enthusiast, 92 points
2021 Catena Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc, $22
James Suckling, 91 Points
Domaine Dozon Chinon Clos du Saut au Loup, Chinon, Touraine, Loire, France, $27
Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points
2016 Tenuta Argentiera Bolgheri Superiore, Italy, $115
Robert Parker, 97 Points – but it’s just 10% Cabernet Franc, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
2018 Chateau Cheval Blanc, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, France, $649
Decanter Magazine, 100 Points – a Perfect Score, 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon
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