American Cabernet Franc
Macari, Lieb Cellars and Pellegrini lead our American cabernet franc, with most bottles from New York and California.
American Cabernet Franc questions
What is American Cabernet Franc?
American Cabernet Franc is red wine made from Cabernet Franc grown in the United States. It commonly combines red and black berry fruit with violet, graphite, pepper, and herbal notes. Depending on climate, it can be light and aromatic or full bodied and oak aged, with fresher acidity than many Cabernet Sauvignons.
Is American Cabernet Franc full bodied?
American Cabernet Franc ranges from medium bodied and aromatic to full bodied and oak aged. Cooler regions often make lighter framed wines with fresh acidity, while warmer sites can produce darker fruit and more weight. Compared with many Cabernet Sauvignons, it usually has less tannin, though individual producers can make powerful versions.
Can American Cabernet Franc age?
Many American Cabernet Franc wines are enjoyable young, especially fruit driven, medium bodied styles. Bottles with concentrated fruit, balanced acidity, firm tannin, and thoughtful oak use can develop for five to ten years or longer. Aging can bring tobacco, cedar, dried herbs, and earthy complexity. Store them in cool, stable conditions.
Should American Cabernet Franc be chilled?
Serve American Cabernet Franc at about 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is cooler than a warm room and helps preserve its floral and herbal notes. A lighter, fresher bottle can take a 20 minute refrigerator chill. Decant a dense young wine briefly, especially if oak or tannin feels prominent.