Cabernet Franc wines

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety that is known as the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape is widely grown around the world, but it is particularly associated with the Loire Valley region in France, and the Bordeaux and the right bank of the Gironde.

Cabernet Franc wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with moderate acidity and a moderate level of tannins. The wine has a wide range of flavors that can vary depending on where it's grown, but it's commonly described as having a range of fruit flavors, such as red and black currant, cherry, and plum, with notes of tobacco, spice, and sometimes a hint of bell pepper or herbaceousness. The wines are often aged in oak barrels, which can impart a vanilla and toast flavor to the wine.

Cabernet Franc wines are frequently considered to be more elegant, lighter and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon. They can be enjoyed young, but also can benefit from aging, developing complexity and softening the tannins. They can pair well with red meats, particularly beef, as well as hard, strong cheeses.