Fast delivery
Get in as fast as 1 hour
It’s all local
Shop your favorites
Direct chat
Connect with shoppers
Cabernet Franc Wine for Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the most well-known black grape varieties in the world. It was originally sourced in southwest France in the Libournais region in Bordeaux. Typically, Cabernet Franc is a blending wine, most often combined with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. It can also be used alone as it is in the Loire region's Chinon variety of Cabernet Franc grapes.
The first recorded evidence of this blue-black grape was during the 17th century when Cardinal Richelieu is said to have transported the vine to the Loire region. Within a century, the vine was all over southwestern France. Known for its pale red color and raspberry and pepper notes, this distinct wine is world-renowned.
There are many similarities between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. However, Cabernet Franc is a slightly more resilient plant, ripening earlier than Sauvignon and capable of thriving in slightly cooler climates. Cabernet Franc can also adapt to many different soil types, making it a hearty and robust vine to grow. Cabernet Franc is also a lighter shade of red than Cabernet Sauvignon, however with a more intense flavor.
Cabernet Franc is also produced in Canada and the USA, but those specific blends are more commonly used for iced wine varieties. Traditional Cabernet Franc hails from France, where it is most acclimated to the temperatures and environment. There are also some varieties of Cabernet Franc that are cultivated in other European nations like Italy, Greece, Spain, Hungary, and more. However, the most full-bodied varieties of this wine thrive in their native France.
Cabernet Franc is known for its robust flavors which combine aromas like raspberry, pepper, tobacco, cassis, and violets. These intense aromas contribute to the finesse of this refined wine that offers a unique treat for the palate.
Cabernet Franc Near Me
Buy your favorite Cabernet Franc online with Instacart. Order Cabernet Franc from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc has a lighter color, but richer flavor than Cabernet Sauvignon. DNA evidence has shown that Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc vines, so while they share many of the same properties, they are completely different wines. Cabernet Franc is a drier wine with a spicy taste and intense aroma. Cabernet Sauvignon is dry and heavy but has a stronger hint of fruity flavors blended into its core.
A single variety Cabernet Franc pairs well with rich herbs like rosemary and mint. It also works well with succulent steaks and grilled meats or fish. It can highlight rich flavors but isn't meant to mix with very intense flavors, which can take away from the decadent taste of the wine itself. Cabernet Franc is paired with flavors that do not compete for attention on the palate.
There are several wines that hail from various parts of Europe that share some common properties with Cabernet Franc. In Italy, you'll find Aglianico from the Campania region has a similar taste to the Cabernet Franc. Lagrein, from Northern Italy, also shares the same peppery notes as Cabernet Franc. Monastrell from Spain and Carmenere from Chile also have similar properties. However, all of these variations have a slightly sweeter taste due to the warmer and more humid climates they thrive in.