Cabernet Franc — The Hidden Gem Behind Bordeaux’s Famous Red
- Benoit Labelle
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot may be among the most famous red grape varieties in the world—but few people know that they share a common ancestor: Cabernet Franc!
Often overshadowed by its celebrated descendants, this noble grape deserves to be rediscovered. Elegant, aromatic, and full of character, Cabernet Franc has a fascinating story to tell—and a truly distinctive taste to offer.
At Hemmingford Winery, located in the southernmost part of Quebec, this grape has found the ideal terroir to fully express itself.
In this article, you’ll discover:
The origins of Cabernet Franc
The exact origins of Cabernet Franc remain somewhat mysterious, but evidence suggests it was born in the French Basque region near the Spanish border. Records show its presence in Bordeaux as early as the 1st century CE, making it likely the oldest red grape in the Bordeaux region.
In the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu had cuttings transported from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley, where the grape thrived. In his honor, December 4, the anniversary of his death, is now celebrated as International Cabernet Franc Day.
A grape variety that has conquered the world
France remains both the birthplace and the world’s leading producer of Cabernet Franc, with nearly 33,000 hectares under vine—about 14,000 in Bordeaux and as many in the Loire Valley. It ranks as the 7th most planted grape variety in the country.
In Bordeaux, it contributes to prestigious blends from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, complementing Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In the Loire Valley, it often shines on its own, in emblematic wines such as Chinon, Saumur-Champigny, and Bourgueil.
Today, more than 45,000 hectares of Cabernet Franc are cultivated worldwide. Its ability to produce elegant, balanced wines, its good disease resistance, and its adaptability to diverse terroirs explain its growing global success.
From the 19th to the 20th century, it expanded to new horizons:
Italy (~5,700 ha)
China (~3,000 ha)
United States, mainly California (~1,500 ha)
Cabernet Franc in Canada: a red that’s making its mark
In Canada, Ontario—especially the Niagara region—has become its stronghold. Cabernet Franc is now the province’s most planted red grape, representing about 10% of total production—well ahead of Merlot (7%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (6%).
Cabernet Franc in Quebec: a choice of heart and conviction
In Quebec, Cabernet Franc remains quite rare. According to the Conseil des vins du Québec (2023), only about 5% of the province’s 170 artisanal wineries grow it, for a total of 1.56 hectares.
So why did Hemmingford Winery decide to plant half a hectare of it?
Long before purchasing the estate's land or even dreaming of doing so, our winemaker already appreciated Bordeaux wines, without knowing that they owed part of their character to Cabernet Franc.
During a trip to the Loire Valley in the early 2000s, he truly discovered the grape and fell in love with its elegance, freshness, and distinct aromas.
Years later, when selecting which varieties to plant, he wanted to focus both on grapes known for producing high-quality wines and on varieties still rare in Quebec. His location—at the very southern tip of the province—offered favorable conditions to grow more demanding varieties that need longer ripening periods or are less resistant to cold.
Cabernet Franc thus became a natural choice—a decision guided by both passion and conviction, true to the curiosity and dedication that have defined the vineyard from the very beginning.
Its distinctive features: a noble and expressive grape variety
This noble grape (Vitis vinifera) is known for its vigor and dense clusters. Its deep blue-black berries yield richly colored, aromatic wines. It adapts well to various soil types but thrives best in limestone and well-drained soils.
It tolerates temperatures as low as –20 to –26 °C. Though it requires less heat than Cabernet Sauvignon, it still needs at least 1,400 growing degree days to reach good ripeness — hence its success mainly in southern Quebec.
Its moderately compact clusters make it somewhat prone to diseases like downy mildew or black rot, particularly in humid climates. In organic viticulture, these challenges can be managed using sulfur, copper, and potassium bicarbonate.
Depending on the climate, Cabernet Franc displays a wide aromatic range:
In cool climates (like ours): tangy red fruit aromas
In temperate climates: savory, herbal, and spicy notes
In warm climates: ripe or dried fruit and fuller-bodied wines
Its wines are lightly tannic, with delicate red fruit and spicy aromas, supported by a bright acidity that gives freshness and longevity.
Taste Cabernet Franc 2023 from Hemmingford Winery
Appearance: deep, brilliant ruby red
Nose: intense aromas of strawberries and raspberries with a hint of black pepper
Palate: richness and complexity. It features strawberries, raspberries, herbaceous notes (thyme and sage), and spicy notes (black pepper and Espelette pepper)
When aged in French oak barrels, as at Hemmingford Winery, it develops subtle woody and tobacco notes, adding roundness and depth.
Soft tannins provide a silky texture, balanced by lively freshness. The finish is elegant, persistent, and vibrant.
Food and wine pairings: finesse and versatility
Refined yet versatile, Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes:
Grilled or roasted meats (chicken, duck, pork)
Spicy or herbaceous vegetarian dishes
Pasta with tomato or vinegar-based sauces
Pizza
Aged cheeses, especially Brie
Its herbal touch harmonizes particularly well with dishes featuring fresh herbs.
Serve between 16–18 °C and decant to let its aromas fully open up.
The promising future of Cabernet Franc in Quebec
With climate change, Cabernet Franc’s presence is expected to keep growing in Quebec and around the world.
Vitis vinifera varieties are gaining popularity and helping raise the quality of Quebec wines, which have never been more promising.
At the SAQ, there are currently around 400 wines made from Cabernet Franc - about 60% of them from the Loire Valley, its historical home. Could we soon see more Quebec-made Cabernet Franc wines on those shelves?
Versatile by nature, Cabernet Franc isn’t limited to red wines—it can also produce late-harvest ice wines and delightful rosés, fresh and expressive. Slightly underripe grapes are particularly well suited for these styles…
Find out why in an upcoming article!
Comments