Cabernet Franc Wine

Cabernet Franc is a distinctive red grape known for its freshness, fragrant red fruit and savoury, herbal character. It is particularly important in the Loire Valley, where it produces elegant varietal wines, and in Bordeaux, where it plays an important role alongside Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

At Spy, our Cabernet Franc selection focuses on characterful wines from carefully chosen producers. Expect styles ranging from bright, juicy and aromatic to deeper, more structured bottles, with the grape's natural freshness and distinctive personality running throughout.

  • Les Tour De Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

    Les Tour De Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

    Les Tour De Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

    75cl | ABV: 14.5%

    £31.95
    £31.95
  • Nomad 'Frank' Cabernet Franc Elgin South Africa

    Nomad 'Frank' Cabernet Franc Elgin

    Nomad 'Frank' Cabernet Franc Elgin

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £24.95
    £24.95
  • Chateau Gruaud Larose 1999 St Julien Bordeaux 1999 Wine Bottle on a White Background

    Chateau Gruaud Larose 1999

    Sold out

    Chateau Gruaud Larose 1999

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £179.95
    £179.95
    Sold out

Cabernet Franc Wine Buying Guide

Cabernet Franc can produce wonderfully aromatic red wines with fresh acidity, red-fruit flavours and a characteristic savoury or herbal edge. Where it is grown and how ripe the grapes become can shift the style considerably, from light and energetic to richer, more structured wines.

Which style of Cabernet Franc should you choose?

For something fresh and immediately appealing, look for Cabernet Franc with bright raspberry, redcurrant and violet aromas, lively acidity and gentle tannins. Riper or more structured examples can show darker fruit, spice and savoury complexity, particularly with bottle age.

Loire Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux

In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc is frequently the star of the wine, producing distinctive reds in appellations such as Chinon. In Bordeaux it is more commonly blended with grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing perfume, freshness and structure to the finished wine.

Look beyond Cabernet Franc's herbal reputation

Cabernet Franc is often described as herbal, but good examples offer much more than that. Depending on vineyard, ripeness and producer, the grape can combine fragrant flowers and vibrant red fruit with graphite, spice and subtle leafy notes. Smaller producers can make particularly expressive wines that emphasise freshness and individual vineyard character.

Cabernet Franc FAQs

What does Cabernet Franc taste like?

Cabernet Franc commonly shows red-fruit flavours such as raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant, alongside floral, herbal and savoury notes. It usually has fresh acidity and moderate tannins, although warmer sites and riper fruit can produce fuller, richer styles.

What is the difference between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Franc is generally lighter in body, softer in tannin and more aromatic than Cabernet Sauvignon, often showing brighter red fruit and more pronounced floral or herbal character. Cabernet Sauvignon typically brings darker fruit, firmer tannins and greater weight, although the exact style of either grape depends heavily on climate, vineyard and winemaking.

Where is Cabernet Franc grown?

Cabernet Franc is especially associated with France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux. It is also grown in many other wine regions around the world, including parts of Italy, North and South America and South Africa, where producers explore a wide range of styles.

What food goes with Cabernet Franc?

Cabernet Franc's freshness and moderate tannins make it particularly versatile with food. It works well with roast chicken, pork, lamb, charcuterie, mushrooms and lentil dishes, while lighter examples can be served slightly cool alongside simpler dishes and sharing plates.

Explore more distinctive Cabernet Franc and red wine

Chinon Loire Valley Bordeaux Red Wine Merlot Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Red Wine