Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc – The delicate charmer with peppery freshness

Cabernet Franc is one of the most important grape varieties in France and the genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. It originally comes from Bordeaux, but it shows its light-footed, spicy and fragrant-fresh character particularly in the Loire (Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil). Exciting varieties are also produced in Italy (Friuli), Canada, California and Argentina – from fruity, light styles to deep, structured storage wines.

Typical of Cabernet Franc are red berries, paprika, violets, graphite, pepper and light herbaceousness. It has slightly less tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon and is more delicate, but still full of character.

🔹 Loire style (France, Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil): Fresh, elegant, with red fruit, violets & peppery spice.
🔹 International (Italy, Argentina, USA): Stronger, with dark fruit, leather, licorice & sometimes matured in barriques.
🔹 Cabernet Franc in a cuvée: Often in Bordeaux blends, brings freshness, structure & floral notes.

➡ Thanks to its freshness and variety of flavors, Cabernet Franc is an excellent food all-rounder: from vegetable dishes to white meat and game.

🧀 Cabernet Franc & food – The best food pairings

1️⃣ Loire-style Cabernet Franc (e.g. Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil)

Taste: Dry, elegant, with present acidity, red fruit & fine spice.
Typical aromas: raspberry, red currant, paprika, violet, pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Vegetarian & Mediterranean cuisine → Ratatouille, paprika vegetables, lentil roast
✔ Poultry & veal → Chicken with herbs, veal fricassee, coq au vin
✔ Spicy cheese → Goat’s cheese, Camembert, Tomme de Savoie

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Ratatouille with fresh herbs
– Coq au vin with cabernet franc reduction

2️⃣ International Cabernet Franc (e.g. Argentina, California, Friuli)

Taste: Dark, full-bodied, with rich fruit & warming character.
Typical aromas: black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, tobacco.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Grilled & BBQ → Flank steak, lamb chops, beef fillet with pepper crust
✔ Spicy pasta & stews → Pasta with salsiccia, chilli sin carne, pumpkin chilli
✔ Strong cheese & cold cuts → Manchego, mature Gouda, wild boar salami

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Flank steak with green pepper sauce
– Pasta with salsiccia & peppers

3️⃣ Matured Cabernet Franc (single vineyard, barrique, cuvées)

Taste: Complex, structured, with depth, warmth & long finish.
Typical aromas: leather, graphite, dark berries, forest herbs, vanilla, smoke.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Game dishes & braised dishes → Haunch of venison, venison ragout, boeuf bourguignon
✔ Hearty cuisine with earthiness → Lentils with bacon, mushroom risotto, roasted vegetables
✔ Matured cheeses & tarts → Blue cheese, game pies, quiche with porcini mushrooms

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Boeuf Bourguignon with root vegetables
– Mushroom risotto with thyme & parmesan

🔍 Cabernet Franc & food pairing at a glance

Cabernet Franc style	Best food pairings
Loire style	Ratatouille, chicken, goat’s cheese
International	BBQ, pasta, mature cheese
Matured / Cuvée	Game, stews, mushroom dishes

📌 Tip: A Cabernet Franc from the Loire is ideal for light dishes & mild cheeses, while an Argentinian Franc goes wonderfully with grilled food!

🚀 Conclusion: Why Cabernet Franc is so versatile

Cabernet Franc impresses with its freshness, spice and structure. Whether as a light Loire wine, a strong BBQ companion or a mature food wine – this grape variety is a real food-pairing all-rounder! 🍷

⭢ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the matching recipes here! 😊🚀