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Cabernet Franc

The Cabernet Franc grape variety has been native to Bordeaux for centuries as the parent of the highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • 129 ha

    Vineyard area planted in 2023

Cultivation and importance

The Cabernet Franc grape variety has been native to Bordeaux for centuries as the parent of the highly regarded Cabernet Sauvignon. Together with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine often serves as a cuvée partner for the famous Bordeaux wines. In France, a total of 32,683 hectares (2021) are planted with this vine. Cabernet Franc prefers a balanced and rather temperate climate and is therefore also quite suitable for the German wine regions, where it was cultivated on 129 hectares in 2023.

Vinification and flavour

The wine is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, as its wines are very fruity and rich in colour. When vinified as a single variety, Cabernet Franc wines are very storable and go well with strong, dark meat or game.

At a glance

  • Prefers a balanced, temperate climate
  • Aroma: raspberries, blackcurrants, strawberries and violets, paired with notes of paprika and green pepper
  • Flavour: mild tannin, low in acidity, soft

 

Which famous "children" did Cabernet Franc yield?

Cabernet Franc is in fact the parent of Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon is also not the big brother of Cabernet Franc, as is often claimed, but actually its descendant!

  • Varietal Lemberger The deep red Lemberger wines are convincing as light, fruity wines when young. Lemberger wines matured in barrels are characterised by their southern charm and warmth.

    Lemberger

  • Varietal Pinot Gris From Burgundy, the grape variety made its way to Switzerland, Hungary and presumably from there to our regions in the 14th century.

    Grauburgunder

  • Varietal Domina The wines made from the Domina grape are often used as a cover wine for other red wines due to their intense colour.

    Domina