Believed to be the parent of the ultra-popular Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is often overshadowed by its own progeny. However, this underrated grape produces some wildly complex, food-friendly wines that deserve your attention.
Wines made from Cab Franc range from light and quaffable to rich and tannic depending on both region and winemaking styles. Cool-climate examples from the Loire Valley, Finger Lakes, or Long Island can be lively and fresh with tart red fruit, spicy green pepper notes, and crisp acidity. They can be aged in stainless steel for a more punchy expression or in oak barrels to add hints of cedar and tobacco. Cabernet Francs from warmer sites like Napa Valley and Paso Robles can result in bigger wines with juicy, ripe fruit, and typically a heavier oak influence.
Whether you’re partial to the refreshing and chillable versions or the deep, fuller-bodied bottles, we have you covered. We tasted wines across the spectrum and compiled a list of the top bottles for you to seek out. From the banks of the Loire River to the rolling hills of Virginia, here are the 15 best Cabernet Francs for 2024.
Table Of Contents Best Cabernet Francs Under $25 Best Cabernet Francs Under $50 Best Cabernet Francs Over $50 FAQs Best Cabernet Francs Under $25 Lamoreaux Landing T23 Unoaked Cabernet Franc 2022
This unoaked bottling showcases the freshness that cool-climate Finger Lakes Cab Franc can offer. The wine opens with bright red fruit notes like tart cranberry,
