Beginner's Guide to Cabernet Franc - What You Need to Know

If you’re a wine enthusiast, cabernet franc is one wine that you’ll surely want to try out. Now, we understand if you need more information on this wine as it’s not as nearly as popular as cabernet sauvignon. To help you familiarize yourself with this wine, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article about this wine. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, here’s a beginner guide to cabernet franc.

What is Cabernet Franc?

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety that is a primary component of the blend in Bordeaux wines. It is also grown in other regions of the world, including the United States and Canada.

Cabernet Franc wines are typically fruity and herbal, with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and black pepper. They are often described as being lighter-bodied than Cabernet Sauvignon wines, with a slightly lower alcohol content. 

Cabernet Franc is a versatile grape that can be made into a wide range of styles, from light and easy-drinking to complex and age-worthy. It is a great choice for those looking for something a bit different than the more common Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. 

What is the History of Cabernet Franc? 

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety that is most closely related to Cabernet Sauvignon. It is believed that Cabernet Franc originated in the Bordeaux region of France and has been grown there for centuries. It is one of the five main grape varieties used in the production of Bordeaux wine.

Cabernet Franc is also grown in other countries, including Italy, Spain, and the United States. In the United States, it is most commonly grown in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.

What is the Difference Between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon? 

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are both red wine grape varieties, but they have some key differences. Cabernet Franc is lighter-bodied and has more herbal flavors, while Cabernet Sauvignon is more full-bodied with blackberry and cherry flavors.

Cabernet Franc is also typically aged for a shorter amount of time than Cabernet Sauvignon, so it retains more of its fruity flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, can take on more earthy, tobacco-like flavors as it ages.

Overall, Cabernet Franc is a bit more acidic and floral than Cabernet Sauvignon and is a good option if you’re looking for a lighter red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice if you’re looking for a richer, more full-bodied wine. 

What is Cabernet Franc Best Paired With? 

Cabernet Franc is a versatile grape that can be paired with a variety of foods. Some of the best pairings include roasted meats, such as lamb or pork, and earthy dishes, such as mushroom risotto. Cabernet Franc also pairs well with hard cheeses, such as Parmesan or Romano, and dark chocolate. 

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you gain a better understanding of Cabernet Franc wine. As you can see, this is a great wine that can be enjoyed and paired with a wide-array of food. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind so that you can enjoy the wine as best as possible. While there is no wrong way to enjoy wine, this guide should help you get the full experience. 

If you’re looking for high-quality Cabernet Franc, Sea Shell Cellars has got you covered. We are a 100% family-owned boutique estate winery located in the rolling hills of Paso Robles. Our property is 99 acres with 50 acres of 9 different varietals. We sell the majority of our grapes and produce a little of 2000 cases a year of Sea Shell wine.

---

Also in The Wine Cellar