Cabernet Franc is used both in blends and in purity, for the production of red, rosé, white and Ice Wines. Red wines vinified in purity have a brilliant ruby red color that tends to garnet with aging. Its aroma is unmistakable, with smoky and bell pepper notes, given by the high amount of pyrazines in its grapes.
If picked unripe, the vegetal bell pepper note may be prevalent making the wine harsh. Harvested when ripe, the herbaceous notes will give way to smoky ones and hints of violet, raspberry, strawberry, ivy leaves and, after aging, licorice, graphite, cocoa, menthol notes.
The taste of Cabernet Franc wine is round, broad and pleasantly fresh. Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, it is less rich in tannins and therefore ages more quickly and can be enjoyed in less time.
This red wine made from pure Cabernet Franc can be paired with the entire meal. Because of its herbaceous and smoky notes, it goes well with pasta dishes with meat sauce, game, grilled meats, stews, and roasts. It also goes well with semi-mature and aged cheeses.
From an ampelographic point of view, the two grape varieties are very similar, but Cabernet Franc buds and ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. It also has fewer tannins-so aging can be faster-and fewer polyphenols and anthocyanins, which is why the color is less intense. On the palate, Cabernet Franc tends to have more herbaceous notes.