Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon And The Main Differences Between Them

You’ve probably heard of the very popular red wine Cabernet Sauvignon.

But...

You might not have had much contact with the lighter and more fragrant Cabernet Franc.

These two Cabernets are family: Cabernet Franc is one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. They might seem similar on the surface, but they are distinct grape varieties, and the resulting tastes are quite different.

If you are new to tasting different variations of Cabernet or are an experienced wine taster and just want to know a little more about these wines, read on to find out everything you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon vs Cabernet Franc.

Main Differences Between Cabernet Franc And Cabernet Sauvignon

The main differences between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are:

Cabernet Franc has lower tannin making it lighter, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon has higher tannin producing a bolder taste
Cabernet Sauvignon has a more dark and fruity taste with notes of blackberry and oak, whereas Cabernet Franc is perfumier with notes of cherry and violet.
Cabernet Franc is grown mainly in France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux, with smaller plantings in Italy, Hungary, Argentina, and the United States, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is more common and is produced all over the world.

Cabernet Sauvignon Overview

As one of the world’s most widely planted wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon can be found all over the world, particularly in Bordeaux, where it was growing as early as the 17th century. It is a staple red wine and a favourite among most red wine drinkers, especially those who favour a stronger taste.

Grape

DNA research at UC Davis showed that its two parent grapes are Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, most likely from a spontaneous crossing. That explains its similarities with Cabernet Franc, including the green, herbal notes both grapes can show.

Despite a white grape in its family tree, Cabernet Sauvignon is anything but light.

The thick-skinned grape produces a full-bodied and rich wine with hints of dark berries which can be overpowering for some and perfect for others, depending on your taste.

Tannin

The high tannins make Cabernet Sauvignon a bold wine which is often enjoyed with foods that pack a lot of flavors to accompany the strong taste of the wine. It pairs well with a variety of foods which also makes it a dinner party or BBQ staple. Especially because it goes so well with peppered or grilled meats.

Both wines are almost always made dry, and both have fairly high acidity. The firmer tannins help Cabernet Sauvignon age longer than most Cabernet Franc. Many experts argue that they are at their best after 10 years and can be aged for up to 20 years.

Paris Ridge 71 cabernet sauvignon

Cabernet Franc Overview

More commonly used in blends, you won’t often see a Cabernet Franc on the supermarket shelves which is the big difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

As Cabernet Franc grows well in cooler climates and ripens earlier (1-2 weeks faster vs Cabernet Sauvignon), it is a useful blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux. In the Loire Valley, it shines on its own in wines such as Chinon and Saumur-Champigny.

Grapes

Cabernet Franc grapes are thinner skinned vs Cabernet Sauvignon grapes producing a less tannic wine which is softer and lighter yet at times still fairly acidic as the taste can vary depending on the region it comes from.

It has floral aromas and savoury elements of bell pepper, thanks to the aroma compounds called pyrazines, which compliment a range of foods especially tomato-based dishes like spaghetti Bolognese.

Tannin

Compared with Cabernet Sauvignon, most Cabernet Franc is made to drink younger, often within 5-10 years. The best Loire and Bordeaux examples can age longer, but most bottles are made for earlier drinking.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as the softer tannins make it approachable sooner. Cabernet Franc often has bright acidity, which keeps it fresh with food.

cabernet franc from virginia

Which Is Better - Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon

As with all wines, which one is better for you will depend entirely on your taste.

If you prefer a full-bodied, bold red wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon will be your best choice. However, if you prefer something lighter and more aromatic, the Cabernet Franc might be your best bet.

The best wine for you can also depend heavily on the occasion and what you are pairing it with. For a formal dinner with rich, tomatoey pasta I would recommend a Cabernet Franc. For a casual BBQ with grilled meats and peppered steak, a Cabernet Sauvignon would work perfectly.

Which Is Sweeter - Cabernet Sauvignon vs Cabernet Franc

One major difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is that the latter is lower in tannin, making it lighter and softer, so it can seem fruitier compared to the boldness of the Sauvignon.

Neither is a sweet wine; both are almost always dry. How ripe and fruity each one tastes varies with the region's climate and the winemaking.

Taste Test: Here is another topic of interest, especially for newbies -- Choosing Between Syrah vs Cabernet.

Conclusion

The differences between red wines can be vast and considering these two wines are so closely related it’s hard to believe that they can taste so different.

Nevertheless, the process of curating wine is so intricate that the most minor alterations can create spectacular results.

Although I like the bold taste of the Cabernet Sauvignon, personally, I feel that it is better when combined with food whereas the Cabernet Franc can really be enjoyed on its own. Make sure to try several different makes of each wine before deciding on which one you prefer as the quality of the wine depends on the quality of the vineyard.