Within the iconic triad of Bordeaux red grape varieties, Cabernet Franc stands out as the pillar of finesse and elegance. Essential for softening the power of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is much more than a simple blending partner; it brings a unique aromatic and structural dimension, giving the wines an inimitable complexity and freshness. Its presence is all the more pronounced on clay-limestone terroirs, where it fully reveals its subtlety.

Origins and characteristics of a historic grape variety

Cabernet Franc is a black wine grape variety belonging to the Carmenets family, of which it is considered the closest member to the wild varieties. Its history is rich and probably dates back to the Pyrenean foothills on the Spanish side. It is said to have reached the south-west of France thanks to pilgrims returning from the Way of St. James, before gradually establishing itself in the Bordeaux and Loire vineyards. Some even hypothesise that it could be the "biturica" cited by Columella in Roman times, making it one of the oldest grape varieties in the Bordeaux vineyard.

Cabernet Franc has borne many names throughout its history, such as Achéria, Bouchet, Breton, Plant Breton or even Cabernet Blanc, due to the whitish-green colour of its young shoots. It is considered an important parent to Carménère and Magdeleine noire des Charentes, itself the mother of Merlot and Malbec.

Ampelographic profile

Characteristic	Description
Budburst	Early to medium, about a week after Merlot.
Ripening	Second epoch, two and a half to three weeks after Chasselas. Its yield is known to be lower than that of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vigour	Medium.
Growth habit	Erect or semi-erect.
Susceptibility to grey rot	Medium due to a slightly thinner berry skin than that of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Susceptibility to Eutypa dieback and Esca	Moderate.
Susceptibility to leafhoppers	Slightly more susceptible.
Aromatic profile	Notes of fresh red fruits (cherry, raspberry), spicy nuances (pepper), floral touches (violet), blackcurrant, fern, undergrowth, and sometimes green bell pepper at optimal ripeness.
Winemaking potential	High-quality aromatic wines with a medium to long ageing potential, bringing freshness, structure, and complexity to blends. Integrates perfectly with Merlot in wines aged in amphorae for silky tannins and explosive fruit.

Aromatic profile and oenological potential

Cabernet Franc is renowned for producing high-quality aromatic wines, with a medium to long ageing potential, depending on the terroir and winemaking techniques. Its aromatic complexity is remarkable and unfolds across a varied palette: from notes of fresh red fruit such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, to spicy nuances of pepper, through floral touches evoking violet. Certain terroirs can also reveal more distinctive aromas of blackcurrant, fern, undergrowth, and sometimes even the famous but delicate note of green bell pepper, a sign of optimal ripeness. This olfactory richness makes it a prized grape variety for crafting elegant and expressive wines.

At Château Cazebonne, we value the richness of our viticultural heritage. That is why we are committed to replanting forgotten grape varieties, thus participating in the renaissance of Bordeaux's viticultural identity. This meticulous work of researching, reintroducing, and vinifying ancient varieties is made possible by the invaluable support of all the wine lovers who have embraced our wines and share our vision of a viticulture that respects its history, is rooted in tradition, and remains resolutely forward-looking. You can explore the diversity of our approach and the richness of our history by downloading the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", by testing your knowledge with our oenological quizzes, or by discovering our cuvées on our online shop.