When you hear the word "cabernet" you probably go straight to cabernet sauvignon. However, we're here to prove that the other cabernet – cabernet franc – is just as deserving of your attention.
Traditionally known for its role in Bordeaux blends, alongside cabernet sauvignon and merlot, cabernet franc is increasingly being used for varietal wines. Cabernet franc grapes are super aromatic when fully ripe, with red- and blue-fruit flavours such as blueberry and boysenberry, and approachable tannins. This means that, unlike many cabernet sauvignon wines, cabernet franc wines are delicious in their youth.
Cabernet franc has a "refreshing, cool-climate character" says Jo Bradbury of 3drops, so it's no surprise that the Australians regions where it can be found include Margaret River, Great Southern, parts of McLaren Vale, Kangaroo Island and the Yarra Valley.
We spoke to Jo, along with Anthony Fikkers of Rising, and Steve Sadlier of Squitchy Lane about how they make cabernet franc and why they love it. They've also suggested a wine to try for International Cabernet Franc Day on December 4.
2022 3drops Cabernet Franc
This cool-climate cabernet franc offers vibrant, bold flavours of cherry and cranberry, complemented by fresh, minty, herbal notes. It has a medium-bodied palate with intensity, balance and a well-defined structure. Tannins are fine-tuned and well-integrated, and quality French oak adds a touch of spice. A delicious red wine with savouriness, acidity, complexity and a long, graceful finish.Owner Jo Bradbury says: We love cabernet franc for its remarkable balance of fruit, freshness and complexity. We feel this variety is extremely well-suited to our Wragg Road vineyard in the heart of Great Southern. Our cabernet franc vines, now 25 years old, wonderfully express our cool-climate terroir.
H. How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to cabernet franc?
JB. Our philosophy in the winery focuses on allowing the fruit to dictate the style and character of the wine. Cabernet franc from Great Southern has a diverse fruit spectrum, and straightforward, classic winemaking allows this to shine through.
H. How should your cabernet franc be enjoyed on International Cabernet Franc Day?
JB. The Riedel Cabernet glass has a wide, rounded bowl and a slightly tapered rim. This type of glass works well for cabernet franc as it allows the complex aromas of ripe fruit, herbs and earthy notes to be fully expressed. We recommend serving the wine around 16–18°C.
The ultimate food pairing: Cabernet franc pairs beautifully with dishes like eggplant parmigiana, lentil-based stews or ratatouille, as their rich, savoury flavours complement the wine's complex profile.
RRP $33 | Drink to 2029 | 3drops.com | Shop this wine
2023 Rising Cabernet Franc
From 40-year-old vines on a west-facing slope in Healesville, 100 per cent destemmed and matured in older oak. A vibrant crimson red. Dark cherries, fresh tomato leaf, pepper and violets intermingle with a little meatiness. The medium-bodied palate is savoury on entry, and I like the balance between the wine's gentle juiciness and its gently grippy tannins. It'll be even better in a year or two, once those tannins soften a tad. – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion.Winemaker Anthony Fikkers says: This wine is a great example of how the Yarra Yalley makes ripe yet medium-bodied heavier reds.
H. How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to cabernet franc?
AF. Our cab franc is hand-picked and 100 per cent destemmed before undergoing fermentation, and there are two main things we do in the winery to keep this wine as pure as possible. Firstly, we hand plunge for super soft extraction – we want to keep the lightness in our franc. It’s then pressed off after eight days to mature in old oak. These two things combined highlight cabernet franc’s unique characteristics.
H. How should your cabernet franc be enjoyed on International Cabernet Franc Day?
AF. First and foremost, our cab franc is best enjoyed in good company! We recommend serving it in the Plumm Three No. 1 – a universal glass that is well-suited to red wine with body and structure.
The ultimate food pairing: Drink this 2023 Rising Cabernet Franc with a generous bowl of pappardelle topped with wild mushroom ragu.
RRP $38 | Drink to 2029 | risingwines.com.au | Shop this wine
2022 Squitchy Lane Limited Release Cabernet Franc
A vibrant, crimson red. Lifted and attractive with aromas of sour cherries, damson plums, blood orange and a hint of fresh tomato leaf. The palate is medium bodied, with good freshness and silky, persistent tannins that are in harmony with the fruit. An elegant, balanced and well-put-together wine – Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion.Viticulturist Steve Sadlier says: Our Cabernet Franc is drawn from 40-year-old vines and is medium-bodied, and offers juicy, berry fruit flavours with a touch of spice. The wine is approachable and delicate with a fine structure. These qualities make this style an ideal food wine as it has the ability to match with a wide range of different dishes.
H. How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to cabernet franc?
SS. Cabernet franc is well suited to cooler inland areas as it tends to bud and mature earlier. In the vineyard, cropping levels are kept low to improve structure and develop fully ripened flavours. In the winery, longer time on skins during fermentation improves tannin extraction and offers a richer flavour profile.
H. How should your cabernet franc be enjoyed on International Cabernet Franc Day?
SS. Whether the wine is young or more mature, decanting the wine a short time before serving will ensure that the wine reveals its full range of flavours.
The ultimate food pairing: The weight of cabernet franc and its structure make it an ideal wine to accompany a wide range of dishes, from chicken wrapped in prosciutto to a rich bean cassoulet.
RRP $52 | Drink to 2030 | squitchylane.com.au | Shop this wine
Top image credit: Squitchy Lane
