About Cabernet Franc
Learn more about Cabernet Franc from Paso Robles, CA
The Cabernet Franc Grape
Known as a blending wine, Cabernet Franc originated from Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of the esteemed Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère. The herbaceous qualities of Cabernet Franc contribute to the other varieties having aroma compounds called pyrazines, which give these varietals notes of green bell pepper or herbs.
With over 70,000 acres, Cabernet Franc is mainly grown in France. The renowned Right Bank of Bordeaux still produces some of the most sought-after Cabernet Francs, while most of Bordeaux blends the Cabernet Franc with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Loire Valley of France also produces Cabernet Francs that are lighter in style. Outside of France, you will find this variety growing in Tuscany, Italy, Chile’s Colchagua Valley, and California.
In Paso Robles Wine Country, Cabernet Franc is a rare variety, but at Parrish Family Vineyard, we grow __ acres of the variety for blending and exemplary stand-alone vintages. The 2020 vintage proved to be a shining light on Cab Franc as we produced our first single-variety Cabernet Franc that year. Since the 2014 vintage, Cab Franc has made an appearance in our beloved Four Chords Bordeaux blend. While sharing similarities with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc shows more notes of red fruit, herbs, earth, and tobacco.
How to Serve Cabernet Franc
With its medium body, Cabernet Franc is best served around 60˚-65˚ degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the wine to open up and showcase the varietal’s aromas. For younger Cabernet Franc wines, we recommend decanting the wine for about 30-45 minutes.
Serve in a wine glass with a U-shape bowl, so the aromas travel up the glass to the front of the palate. This direction helps balance the acidity with the fruit aromas, and the smaller rim keeps the wine cooler by blocking warmer air flow.
This wine generally does not cellar as long as wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and can be laid down for up to 10 years. That being said, the Right Bank of Bordeaux is known for having age-worthy Cabernet Francs.
Cabernet Franc Food Pairing
Cabernet Franc pairs deliciously with poultry meats such as chicken and duck. Tomato-focused dishes such as pastas and salads will balance the earthy Cabernet Franc with acidity. Depending on the age, a younger Cabernet Franc will pair with mushrooms and herbaceous vegetables, as the red fruit notes will still be shining in the wine. An aged Cabernet Franc, with even more earthy notes, would pair well with roasted meats and stews. A pro-tip from Parrish’s kitchen is to use fresh herbs when creating dishes with Cabernet Franc in mind. A fresh-picked blend of parsley, dill, and mint would enliven a dish paired with the Cabernet Franc’s more earthy notes.
Join our Wine Club to try our limited 2020 Cabernet Franc!
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