What’s the Difference Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc?

Bordeaux Wine

A Taste of Terroir: Exploring the Differences Between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

When it comes to red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are two of the most renowned grape varieties, both originating from Bordeaux, France. However, despite their shared heritage, these two grapes produce wines with distinct characteristics. In this blog post, we'll delve into the differences between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, including the regions where they are grown, their terroir, tasting profiles, aromatics, color, alcohol by volume (ABV), and even provide recommendations for wines to try at different price points. Additionally, we'll explore the optimal growing conditions for these grape varieties and suggest food pairings to enhance your wine experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

  1. Regions:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon is widely grown in various wine regions around the world. Notable regions include Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, Coonawarra in Australia, and Maipo Valley in Chile.
  2. Terroir:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in regions with well-drained soils, ample sunlight, and a warm climate. It's known for its adaptability and ability to express the terroir, the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography of the vineyard.
  3. Tasting Differences:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon typically yields full-bodied, robust wines with high tannins and moderate acidity. These wines often have flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cherry, and cedar. They can age exceptionally well, developing complex, tertiary notes over time.
  4. Aromatics:
    • Aromas in Cabernet Sauvignon wines include black fruit, cassis, tobacco, and sometimes green bell pepper. The wine often has a pronounced herbal and earthy character.
  5. Color and ABV:
    • Cabernet Sauvignon wines are deep ruby to purple in color and generally have an ABV ranging from 13.5% to 15%.

Recommended Cabernet Sauvignon Wines:

  • Affordable: Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington, USA)
  • Mid-Range: Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile)
  • Premium: Château Margaux (Bordeaux, France)

Cabernet Franc:

  1. Regions:
    • Cabernet Franc is a grape that excels in various regions, notably the Loire Valley in France, the Finger Lakes in New York, and several regions in Argentina.
  2. Terroir:
    • Cabernet Franc prefers cooler climates with well-drained soils. It is often used in Bordeaux blends to add complexity and a unique character.
  3. Tasting Differences:
    • Cabernet Franc produces wines with lighter body compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for its vibrant acidity, making it a versatile food-pairing wine. Flavors include red berries, herbs, and subtle spice.
  4. Aromatics:
    • Aromas in Cabernet Franc wines often feature red fruits, green bell pepper, violets, and a touch of earthiness. The green pepper note is a distinctive feature of Cabernet Franc.
  5. Color and ABV:
    • Cabernet Franc wines are lighter in color, ranging from pale red to ruby. They typically have an ABV between 12.5% and 14.5%.

Recommended Cabernet Franc Wines:

  • Affordable: Domaine des Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny (Loire Valley, France)
  • Mid-Range: Frog's Leap Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley, USA)
  • Premium: Château Cheval Blanc (Bordeaux, France)

Growing Conditions:

Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc thrive in regions with a warm growing season. They require well-drained soils to prevent waterlogging and encourage the development of complex flavors. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon often excels in gravelly soils, while Cabernet Franc prefers limestone-rich soils. In cooler climates, Cabernet Franc is a preferred choice due to its earlier ripening, making it more suitable for these regions.

Food Pairings:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Pair with grilled red meats, rich stews, and aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda.
  • Cabernet Franc: Ideal with lighter red meat dishes, roast chicken, and herb-infused dishes, and it complements dishes with tomatoes and green herbs.

Cab Sauv or Cab Franc? A Side by Side Comparison

Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are two distinct grape varieties, each with its own set of characteristics that differentiate them in terms of flavor, aroma, growing conditions, and wine styles. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Flavor and Tannin Profile:

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their bold and full-bodied character. They often exhibit intense flavors of blackcurrant, plum, cherry, and sometimes notes of cedar, tobacco, and dark chocolate. These wines tend to have high tannin levels, which contribute to their structure and aging potential.
    • Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc wines are typically lighter in body compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. They offer vibrant acidity and flavors of red berries, such as raspberry and red cherry, along with herbal and sometimes spicy notes. Cabernet Franc wines tend to have lower tannin levels, giving them a softer, more approachable character.

  2. Aromatics:

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: Aromas in Cabernet Sauvignon wines often include black fruit, cassis, tobacco, and sometimes a green bell pepper note. They can also exhibit herbal and earthy characteristics, especially when grown in specific terroirs.
    • Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc wines are known for their aromatic complexity, with scents of red fruits, green bell pepper, violets, and a hint of earthiness. The green pepper note is a distinctive feature of Cabernet Franc and can be more pronounced in some wines.

  3. Color and Alcohol by Volume (ABV):

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: These wines are deep ruby to purple in color and typically have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 13.5% to 15%, making them relatively high in alcohol.
    • Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc wines are lighter in color, ranging from pale red to ruby. They usually have a slightly lower ABV, falling between 12.5% and 14.5%.

  4. Tannins and Aging Potential:

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: The higher tannin levels in Cabernet Sauvignon wines contribute to their longevity. These wines can age exceptionally well, developing complex, tertiary notes over time, and may benefit from several years of cellaring.
    • Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc wines are generally approachable at a younger age due to their softer tannins. They are often enjoyed for their freshness and primary fruit flavors, although some higher-end Cabernet Francs can also age gracefully.

  5. Food Pairings:

    • Cabernet Sauvignon: Pair with grilled red meats, rich stews, and aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda.
    • Cabernet Franc: Ideal with lighter red meat dishes, roast chicken, herb-infused dishes, and it complements dishes with tomatoes and green herbs.

In summary, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are distinct grape varieties, each offering its unique set of flavors, aromas, and characteristics. Your preference between the two may depend on your taste for bold, structured wines (Cabernet Sauvignon) or lighter, more aromatic wines (Cabernet Franc). Both grapes have a valuable place in the world of wine, and exploring both can be a delightful journey for wine enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc may share a name and some similarities, but they offer unique tasting experiences. Whether you prefer the boldness of Cabernet Sauvignon or the elegance of Cabernet Franc, there's a wine to suit your palate and complement your dining choices. So, explore these two wonderful grape varieties, and savor the diversity they bring to the world of wine. Cheers!