cabernet franc

Cabernet Franc is the noble, austere soul of cooler red wine. On the Loire, it translates chalky soils into pure tension. Its bouquet enchants with notes of graphite, freshly crushed raspberry leaves and dark berries, while on the palate, a tight-knit, chalky tannin structure and vibrant acidity set the tone. Just how profound and age-worthy this structure can be is demonstrated by the monumental single-vineyard wines from Charles Joguet in Chinon, as well as the purist Saumur interpretations from Guiberteau.

That the variety also absorbs alpine freshness is proven by the South Tyrolean estate Manincor, where it lends an austere spice to the Cassiano cuvée alongside Merlot and Pinot Noir. And it is even taking root in the cool climate of Southern Styria: Tement coaxes a wonderfully cool minerality from old vines and uses it in tandem with Cabernet Sauvignon to create precise, animating rosés.