Cabernet Franc
An important red grape in Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny.
In the Loire it is often made as a single-varietal wine. Compare appellations rather than confusing Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon.
What to notice
Choose two Loire appellations from the same vintage. Record freshness and tannins before comparing your preferences.
Explore styles and places
Style descriptions are guides, not rules: vintage, vineyard, blending and maturation change the result.
Bordeaux — Cabernet Sauvignon leads on the Left Bank, Merlot on the Right; styles range from approachable bottles to ageworthy wines.
Loire Valley — From Muscadet to Sancerre, soil, climate and grapes change the style.
Southwest France — Cahors and Malbec, Madiran and Tannat, Jurançon and Manseng: three starting points, not one regional style.
