In our inaugural Global Cabernet Franc Masters competition, judges were delighted to find exquisite expressions from all over the world, making this often underrated variety well worth a look, writes Patricia Stefanowicz MW. Cabernet Franc is a valuable and ancient variety, probably a ‘wild grape’, or an orphan whose parents, if any, are unknown. Its traditional homeland is southwest France, and its origin has been established as the Basque Country (País Vasco) in Spain. But, more noteworthy to most modern wine consumers, is that Cabernet Franc is itself a parent of famous Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere. Cabernet Franc deserves respect, not only because of its heritage, but because it produces exceptional wines, as proven by the number of bottles that won Silver, Gold and Master medals in our inaugural Cabernet Franc Masters. This competition kicked off our series of blind tastings in 2024, with exhilarating wines found at every price and from myriad countries. Cabernet Franc is France’s sixth most planted variety, just after Carignan. Its French heartland is the Loire Valley, and the wines we tasted from here are medium-bodied, showing raspberry fruit, gentle oak and accents of violets and lead pencil shavings, with refreshing acidity and satin-textured tannins. In Bordeaux, particularly on the Right Bank, Cabernet Franc acts an insurance policy against less ripe Cabernet Sauvignon in poor years. Cabernet Franc buds earlier and ripens earlier than both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which means it can be harvested before autumn rains arrive and
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Fine Wine
