Cabernet Franc
The aromatic third grape of the Bordeaux blend. Stars solo in Loire reds (Chinon, Bourgueil) and at Cheval Blanc. Parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
About Cabernet
Cabernet Franc is the aromatic third grape of the Bordeaux blend and the parent (genetically) of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — making it one of the most genetically significant grape varieties in fine wine history. In Bordeaux it typically constitutes 5-15% of Left Bank blends, contributing aromatic lift, acid balance, and a distinctive violet-and-raspberry character. On the Right Bank Cabernet Franc plays a larger role, sometimes dominating (Cheval Blanc is roughly 60% Cabernet Franc, the highest proportion of any Premier Grand Cru Classé). Outside Bordeaux, the grape’s most editorially significant solo expressions come from the Loire Valley — Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny produce serious 100% Cabernet Franc wines that age 10-15+ years. The grape’s distinctive pyrazine character (bell pepper, herbal vegetal notes) appears prominently in cool-climate expressions and is editorially polarizing — some consider it a defect, others consider it the variety’s signature.
Variety profile
Also known as
Editorial notes
Cheval Blanc is ~60% Cabernet Franc — the highest proportion of any Bordeaux Premier Grand Cru Classé. The grape’s vegetal pyrazine character can be a defect or signature depending on context.