Cabernet Franc is best known for its value in Bordeaux blends, adding acidity, tannin, and savory bell pepper flavors. Occasionally, it has been known to make a 100% varietal wine in the Loire Valley of France, where it produces easy drinking medium bodied wines that lean toward dry earthy flavors and hints of spice. Now, following in the footsteps of another famous Bordeaux blending grape, Malbec, it seems to be coming into its own as a stand alone grape for American winemakers.
Whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is a household name for the most casual of red wine drinkers, Cabernet Franc is still considered an obscure grape variety for many consumers. As one of the parents to Cabernet Sauvignon, it shares many flavor characteristics, such as notes of bell pepper and black fruit. On its own, however, it tends to produce wines that are spicier, and more medium in body. Grown in the new world climates of the United States, wines made from Cabernet Franc tend to mimic the old world wines of France and Italy (more so than Cabernet Sauvignon) yielding wines with balanced alcohol that are ideally enjoyed alongside food.
In 2017, two of the 100% Cabernet Franc wines scored in the 90s, hailing from New York State and Rhode Island. Schulze Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc 2012 (NY) shows dusty, plummy fruit, licorice, cocoa, and brown spice wafting from the glass along with a hint of watermelon. Easygoing yet structured on the palate, warm red fruits come forward before earthy, herbal tones carry through onto the finish. And Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard Belcourt Red Cabernet Franc 2013 (RI) with freshly sliced green bell pepper and dusty barnyard that make for a complex nose. Ripe red fruit flavors of raspberries and blueberries mingle with savory hints of cured pork and earth in a pleasingly elevated palate with a soft, elegant finish.
The fact that these up and coming regions have found this grape to work well with their terroir suggests a growing future for what was once a blending grape in Bordeaux to become a star in United States winemaking.
