Cabernet franc is a major grape variety that is grown throughout the world. It is clearly overshadowed in terms of area planted and production by Cabernet Sauvignon and it does not figure prominently in recognised great wines. Cabernet Franc is not regarded as a "classic variety."
Cabernet Franc tends to make lighter coloured wines with lower tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines tend to be fruitier and more refreshing, perhaps better suited to lunch than to a heavy roast dinner.
Cabernet Franc In France
This variety is used in two major areas of France and plays a different role in each of them. In the Bordeaux region it is used principally as blending material with (mainly) Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Chateau Cheval Blanc at St-Emilion makes the most highly regarded Cabernet Franc dominated wine in the Bordeaux region.
In there middle of the Loire Valley Cabernet Franc is prominent in two appellations - Chinon and Bourguiel. These wines are often varietal Cabernet Franc, but some may contain up to 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Wines from both of these regions tend to be light to medium bodied and most are better consumed within a few years of vintage. Rose style wines are also produced in the Loire Valley.
Cabernet Franc in Italy
The variety is quite popular in Italy, particularly in the north eastern regions such as Friuli. There are some suggestions that some Italian vineyards previously believed to be Cabernet franc may in fact be Carmenere, another Bordeaux variety. Cabernet Franc is used for varietal wines and for blending in these regions.
Cabernet Franc in the United States
In the US the variety is grown mainly as blending material. It is often used in Meritage, a Bordeaux style blend made in California which is gaining popularity.
In cooler regions such as Washington Sate, New York State and also in Canada winemakers are turning to Cabernet Franc because it ripens more reliably in cooler vintages.
Cabernet Franc in Australia
The variety is generally used as blending material in Australia. The major variety used to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia is Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Malbec sometimes included. Wines made from of the two Cabernet varieties are sometimes labelled simply "cabernets"
Western Australian wineries have had a history of making varietal Cabernet Franc wines. Happs, Redgate and Woodlands are three wineries in the Margaret River Region who have produced outstanding varietals. Over recent years varietal Cabernet Franc has been growing in popularity in many other regions of Australia but it is still relatively uncommon. Vinodiversity has a list of Australian wineries making varietal Cabernet Franc.
Other regions
Cabernet Franc is attracting interest in Eastern Europe, South America and New Zealand.
The future of this variety depends on fashion. If the trend towards lighter style red wines continues it may figure more prominently, displacing some of the market share currently dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
You can learn about many wine varieties from De Long's Wine Variety Table.
Darby Higgs - Darby Higgs is a wine writer and webmaster based in Melbourne Australia. He is the Author of Emerging Varietal Wines of Australia: a guide ...
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