Platinum Pairings A-Z: Franc’s Cabernet Franc

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This dark, thin- skinned grape varietal found in most Bordeaux blended wines adds rich accents of dark fruits, tobacco and spice. It’s a hardy grape, and outside of Bordeaux is also found in the cool inland regions of France, such as the Loire Valley, or northern Italy. Cab Franc is most often blended with other varietals, but lookout, when she stands alone she’s a beauty.

DNA reveals that the noble grape Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the “parents” of the popular Cabernet Sauvignon grape (bred to be hardy, easy to grow, and easy to drink).

Cab Franc is the perfect pairing with lamb chops. Standing alone, it probably needs to be paired with food to appreciate all it’s flavor power. If I ever encounter a 100% cab franc on a wine list, you can bet I’ll order my food to match the wine!