Why the “lesser” Cabernet has more to say

Cabernet Franc continues to surprise wine lovers with its profound potential. Will it create the next collectible craze? Let’s look at it more deeply.

Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex reds result from it with aromas of raspberry, bramble and bell pepper (pyrazines.) On its own, it’s a dry, medium-bodied red with strawberry, raspberry, bell pepper, crushed gravel, chilli pepper as primary flavours. It is medium to high in both tannin and acidity.

Higher acidity makes it possible to pair Cabernet Franc with tomato-based dishes, vinegar-based sauces (smoky BBQ anyone?), or rich legumes like black beluga lentils.

Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of many important varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Franc’s origins likely lie in the Basque region of France (next to Spanish border in the southwest). Ampelographers (grape researchers) point to the southwest as Cab Franc’s homeland because it’s related to a few other varieties found here. Most notably, Cabernet Franc is the parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the rare Hondarribi Beltza (found mostly in the Basque Country of Spain).

The Many Tastes of Cabernet Franc Wine

Cabernet Franc has proven to be very robust and produce good quality wines in a variety of climates. This is a clue to its diversity of tastes. Wines reveal more tart fruit flavors and heightened acidity from cooler climates such as in the Loire Valley of France and Ontario, Canada. In warmer areas such as the Bolgheri region in Tuscany and the Sierra Foothills of California, you’ll find Cabernet Franc delivers more sweet strawberry and dried fruit flavors.

Still, if you’re looking for a place that’s well known for the “ultimate” Cabernet Franc, you might look into the Libournais (aka “Right Bank”) in Bordeaux. It’s here that Cabernet Franc is blended with Merlot to produce some of the most well-known (and highly collectible) wines in the world. The most famous (and highly valued) wines include producers from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion including Château Pétrus, Château Ausone and Château Angélus.

Bell Pepper Flavors in Cabernet Franc

One fascinating flavor in Cabernet Franc wines is a disarming aroma often described as bell pepper. In warmer climates, the aroma is a bit sweeter like roasted red pepper or cayenne spiced chocolate, but the pepper characteristic is notable. You’ll either love it or hate it.

What’s cool is that this flavor is caused by a group of related aroma compounds called methoxypyrazines or “pyrazines” for short. These compounds occur naturally in Cabernet Franc vines as natural defense system against pests. And, it’s part of the reason why this grape successfully grows in such a diverse range of places.

Okay, so what are you waiting for? Get yourself a bottle (or three) and continue on your journey of discovery. The Cape Winelands have some outstanding examples of this variety. Cheers!

(Source: Wine Folly)

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