CABERNET FRANC VS. CABERNET SAUVIGNON

I recently was asked about the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. I knew that Cabernet Franc, along with Sauvignon Blanc, was the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. I also knew that both grapes play a key role in Red Bordeaux blends. But I wanted to learn more. So I did a little research, and I would like to share with you what I learned.

This table highlights some of the key differences between the two grapes. I highly recommend trying the wines side by side to see if you can notice some of the differences in aromas and tastes, color, tannin and more.

	*Cabernet Franc*	*Cabernet Sauvignon*
Color	Lighter red	Darker red
Tannin	Lower tannin	Higher tannin
Acidity	Lower acidity	Higher Acidity
Age worthiness	Best enjoyed young (under 3 years)	Can be very age worthy
Skin thickness	Thinner skin, which contributes to the lighter color, lower tannin and lower age worthiness	Thicker skin, which contributes to the darker color, heavier tannin and higher age worthiness
Aromas and tastes	More perfumy and herbaceous, with notes of raspberry, cherry, plum, cassis, violet, tobacco and bell pepper	Less perfumy and herbaceous, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, oak, vanilla, smoke, tar, leather, earth, bell pepper, asparagus and green olive (the last three, when the grapes are from cooler climates)
Geography	Grown in France, Romania, Hungary, the Balkans, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and the United States	Grown throughout the world
How is it used	Cabernet Franc is more frequently blended with other wines than drunk on its own. On its own, Cabernet Franc often lacks the structure and complexity to produce a great wine. But when you find a good one, it’s a real treat.	Cabernet Sauvignon is more often drunk on its own. Many of the world’s most celebrated wines have been made from this grape.

If you are not very familiar with standalone Cabernet Francs, I encourage you to buy several bottles and judge for yourself. I think you will find Cabernet Franc to be a great addition to your wine repertoire.