Cabernet Franc is a classic and versatile red grape variety that has made a significant mark in the world of wine. it is among the twenty most widely planted grape varieties in the whole world. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it is widely believed to have been cultivated in the southwest of France since the 17th century, probably in the Basque Countries. Genetic research suggests that Cabernet Franc is one of the parent grapes of the more famous Cabernet Sauvignon, with the other parent being Sauvignon Blanc. This genetic lineage underscores its importance in the viticultural heritage of France and the broader wine world.
Source: winetourism
Cabernet Franc was likely first brought to the Loire Valley by Cardinal Richelieu, who encouraged its cultivation in the region. Over time, the grape adapted well to the Loire's climate and soils, becoming one of the mainstays of the region's red wine production. Its early maturation, compared to its offspring Cabernet Sauvignon, made it particularly suitable for cooler climates where longer growing seasons could be a challenge.
Cab Franc is associated with the following key flavour’s on our iron & clay rich terroir
- Fruit Characteristics:
- Red and black fruits: Cabernet Franc from these soils often displays pronounced red fruit flavors such as raspberry and cherry, alongside darker fruit notes like blackberry and plum. The fruit flavors are typically well-defined and can exhibit a ripe quality, depending on the climate and ripening conditions.
- Berry intensity: the iron content in the soil can enhance the intensity of the berry flavors, giving them a deeper and more vibrant character.
- Herbaceous and floral notes:
- Green and herbaceous elements: the clay soils, known for retaining moisture and nutrients, help preserve the herbaceous qualities of Cabernet Franc, such as green bell pepper and herbs like sage or thyme. These notes are a hallmark of the variety and can be more pronounced in cooler climates or less ripe vintages.
- Floral accents: subtle floral notes, such as violet or iris, may also be present, adding to the wine's aromatic complexity.
The Loire Valley is synonymous with Cabernet Franc, where it is the dominant red grape variety, especially in appellations such as Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny. In contrast to the Loire Valley, our area in Lalande-de-Pomerol, does not typically produce wines with 100% Cabernet Franc, this is one of the reasons why our Cuve 1A is unique. The Bordeaux blend traditionally includes a mix of grape varieties, predominantly Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with smaller amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec. AS you might already know, our vineyard is made up of Malbec (95%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Malbec (2%). Before us, there was also a little Cabernet Sauvignon, which has now been replaced by Merlot.
Merlot provides lush fruit and softness, Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and tannins, and Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic finesse and freshness. Lalande-de-Pomerol's terroir and climate favor Merlot, which thrives in the clay-rich soils of the region. Merlot's dominance in these blends is a practical response to the growing conditions, ensuring consistency and quality in the wines.
The global market for Bordeaux wines expects a certain style that is achieved through blending. A 100% Cabernet Franc wine diverges from this established profile. However, some pioneering winemakers in Bordeaux have begun to experiment with higher proportions of Cabernet Franc, recognizing its potential to create distinctive and age-worthy wines.
As winemakers continue to explore and push boundaries, Cabernet Franc may yet surprise and delight even the most traditional palates.