Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape and one of the three contributing varietals to Bordeaux wine in France, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Alongside Sauvignon Blanc, it is the genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, after a natural crossing in the 17th Century. DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet Franc is also one of two parents of Merlot and Carménère.
The majority of this varietal comes from France, Italy, United States, Hungary and Chile, with plantings closer to home relatively uncommon. There are only around 40 vineyards listed as producers in Australia. You will find great single varietal examples in the cooler regions of Yarra Valley and Orange, with Tamburlaine offering an age-worthy Reserve that deserves some time in the cellar before enjoying fully. Similar to Bordeaux, Cab Franc is often used in blends here in Australia.
The wines produced are medium-bodied, lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, with medium acidity and medium-high tannins.
Wines from cooler regions show red fruit flavours and roasted peppers. Warmer climate examples exhibit darker fruit tones like black cherry and blackberry.
High-quality wines with grippy tannins can age beautifully over 10-15 years.
Listed below are the wineries that produce Cabernet Franc.
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| Winery | Wine region | City | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikes Wines | Clare Valley | Sevenhill | (0) |
| Penley Estate | Coonawarra | Coonawarra | (0) |
| Rymill Coonawarra | Coonawarra | Glenroy | (0) |
| Whistle Post Wines | Coonawarra | Coonawarra | (0) |
| The Islander Estate Vineyards | Kangaroo Island | Cyget River | (0) |
| Ekhidna WInes | McLaren Vale | McLaren Vale | (0) |
| Hastwell and Lightfoot | McLaren Vale | McLaren Vale | (0) |
| Lavina Wines | McLaren Vale | McLaren Vale | (0) |
| Donnelly River Winery | Pemberton | Neerabup | (0) |
| Tonon Vineyard | Perth Hills | Carmel | (0) |
| Marions Vineyard | Tamar Valley | Deviot | (0) |
| Rochford Wines | Yarra Valley | Coldstream | (0) |
| Steels Creek Estate | Yarra Valley | Steels Creek | (0) |
| Kellybrook | Yarra Valley | Wonga Park | (0) |
| Denton View Hill Vineyards | Yarra Valley | Yarra Glen | (0) |
| Bulong Estate Winery | Yarra Valley | Yarra Junction | (0) |
| Moorabool Ridge | Geelong | Lethbridge | (0) |
| Bress | Bendigo | Harcourt North | (0) |
| Tahbilk Winery | Goulburn Valley | Tabilk | (0) |
| Crawford River | Henty | Condah | (0) |
| Blue Pyrenees Estate | Pyrenees | Avoca | (0) |
| Bigibila | Pyrenees | Moonambel | (0) |
| Philip Lobley Wines | Upper Goulburn | Glenburn | (0) |
