Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc photos, charts, maps, and wines.

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(aka. Bouchet, Breton, Carmenet, Grosse-Vidure)

In North America, this close cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon has adapted well to cooler areas, especially the northeast and Great Lakes regions. In particular, Long Island, with its maritime-moderated climate, has produced excellent Cabernet Franc.

With a climate similar to Bordeaux's -- and the successful presence of other Bordeaux cepages, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot -- Long Island may be the best region in North America to emulate the style of real claret. In Canada, Cab Franc has progressed well on the Niagara Peninsula, as both a varietal wine and as a component of Bordeaux-type blends. Recent research has shattered long-held beliefs about the relationship between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. It now appears that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the progeny of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and not vice-versa, as previously believed. Nevertheless, Cabernet Franc takes a back seat to Cabernet Sauvignon everywhere that they grow side-by-side. This secondary role does not diminish the importance of Cabernet Franc. The often overly austere and closed nature of Cabernet Sauvignon read more...(particularly in youth) benefits from complementary varieties like Cabernet Franc, which can mitigate these hard, unpleasant qualities. Cab Franc tends to be less deeply pigmented, more obviously aromatic and fruity in youth, with suggestions of raspberries, violets, currants and herbs. When blended with the more astringent Cabernet Sauvignon, this less tannic grape also allows some of Cabernet Sauvignon’s more reclusive charms to present themselves. The importance of this blending grape role has been understood for well over a century in the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines of Bordeaux’s left bank. However, this was only a recent epiphany to most New World Cabernet specialists, such as those in California. Wherever Cabernet Franc makes a solo appearance -- as in the central Loire appellations of Chinon and Bourgueil -- the grape (known there as Breton) makes leaner, fresher styles of Cabernet, designed for earlier consumption. In cooler regions, Cabernet Franc’s earlier ripening is a significant advantage over Cabernet Sauvignon, which may not fully ripen. It is this ecological factor that makes Cabernet Franc the preferred Cabernet in the shorter season of cool-climate vineyards.


Although rarely the center of attention, Cabernet Franc, your congenial nature makes you a pleasure to be with. You’re equally good company for your coarse and bitter cousin Sauvignon, as well as with the charming and curvaceous Merlot. Better yet is when you politely amuse the pair in a Meritage made in heaven. Your genteel manner has been evident since your youth. In fact, some would say you’re mature beyond your years. You are graceful and elegant, with a rather lean physique and a fresh attitude. It has been said -- very discreetly of course – that your nature is a little on the perfumy side.    (hide)

tugce reviewed Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005:

July 2009

tugce

Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005

Starting at $40^.66 Snoothrank: 4/5

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tugce reviewed Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2007:

July 2009

tugce

Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2007

Starting at $19^.99 Snoothrank: 4.5/5

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thefallingman reviewed The Magnificent Wine House Wine Red 2006:

July 2009

thefallingman

This wine started off badly: harsh with too much alcohol. However, a little breathing and it opened up very nicely. Earthy, spicy, and a little oakey with some blackberry behind it. I'll definitely snag up a few more bottles.

The Magnificent Wine House Wine Red 2006

Starting at $9^.59 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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dpnuss reviewed Augustus Cabernet Franc 2006:

July 2009

dpnuss

5 glasses. I just returned from the winery. One of the three winemakers as well as myself thought this was the best overall wine. Was awesome.

Augustus Cabernet Franc 2006

Starting at $14^.68 Snoothrank: 3/5

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bklynforager reviewed Helix 'Pomatia' 2004:

July 2009

bklynforager

Helix 'Pomatia' 2004

Starting at $22^.78 Snoothrank: 3/5

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tedh reviewed Girard Napa Red 1999:

July 2009

tedh

Great wine and everything you would like in a blend. Nice lingering finish with very smooth tannins. Has developed well in the bottle. I would rate this 4.5

Girard Napa Red 1999

Starting at $50^.95 Snoothrank: 4/5

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pau reviewed Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005:

June 2009

pau

Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia 2005

Starting at $40^.66 Snoothrank: 4/5

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Brad Coelho wrote in the forum topic: What makes a grape noble? Does it matter?

June 2009

Brad Coelho

Perhaps some grape banter to get things started: Grenache asked Cabernet, ... its not so admirable father, Cabernet Franc). Grenache didn’t like being in oak very much, the place where all the noble kids tend to play,...

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chock reviewed Chappellet 2006 cabernet franc 2006:

June 2009

chock

We drank this 2006 in June 2009 with a great new york steak amidst candlelight while San Francisco slept below us during a power outage. Big, bold, fruity but with white pepper and a bit of tobacco finish. Not a lot of...

Chappellet 2006 cabernet franc 2006

Starting at $60^.00 Snoothrank: 3/5

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vietmex reviewed Cosentino Winery Cabernet Franc NV:

June 2009

vietmex

Cosentino Winery Cabernet Franc NV

Starting at $16^.98 Snoothrank: 4/5

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