Cabernet Franc vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: What Are the Differences?

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon share similar names and qualities, but distinct characteristics set them apart.

Cabernet Franc, a parent variety to Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Merlot and Carmenère, is believed to originate from Southwest France. Cabernet Sauvignon was created as a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc during the 17th century. But the grapes’ differences go beyond their origins. Knowing about their unique features can lead you to your preferred bottle.

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Flavor differences between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon

“Generally speaking, Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, juicy, and playful, and is marked by flavors of blue/black fruits and oak,” says Andrew McFetridge, a New York City-based sommelier and founder of Fruit Day Consulting. “Cab Franc can be dressed up or down, rugged and bell-peppery, or sophisticated and polished.”

"“Cabernet Franc tends to have a bit more acidity, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins can often be more aggressive.”"

Andrew McFetridge, sommelier and founder of Fruit Day Consulting

Though wines made from either grape can possess bell pepper qualities, McFetridge finds the quality more pronounced with Cabernet Franc.

“Cabernet Franc tends to have a bit more acidity, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins can often be more aggressive,” says McFetridge.

Cabernet Franc wines tend to have medium body with medium-to-high acidity and moderate tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon wines lean more full-bodied with similar acidity as Franc (depending on when the fruit was picked), alongside high tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust tannins make it an ideal pairing with a variety of meats, including steaks, cheeseburgers, and barbecue. With Cabernet Franc, lighter tannins, coupled with red fruit flavors and pepperiness, make it a great match for a myriad of dishes, from tacos and roasted veggies to game meats, pizza, and Mediterranean-inspired mezze.

Cabernet Franc

• Medium body

• Medium-to-high acidity

• Moderate tannins

• More pronounced notes of bell pepper and red fruit

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Full-bodied

• Medium-to-high acidity

• Robust tannins

• Notes of darker (blue and black) fruit, oak

Where these grapes thrive

Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are both vinified as varietal and blended wines, generally depending on where they are made. Varietal Cabernet Franc is most popular in the Loire Valley and New York State, while varietal Cabernet Sauvignon is common in the United States (Napa, Sonoma, and regions in Washington State), Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Along with Merlot and a handful of other varieties, the two grapes are used to make powerhouse red blends in Bordeaux.

Bottles to try

So, which one to choose? It comes down to personal preference. And if you still can’t decide, the Bordeaux region offers the best of both worlds.

2023 Boundary Breaks Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes, New York); $22

Medium bodied and fruit-driven, this easy-drinking wine expresses flavors of black raspberry and cranberry, marked by dusty tannins and a palate-coating finish.

2021 Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc (Anjou, Loire Valley, France); $62

Produced at one of the Loire Valley’s most esteemed estates, this certified biodynamic wine offers silky notes of red and black fruits, graphite, and a touch of green pepper.

2020 Gramercy Cellars Lower East Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington); $38

Structured and elegant, Gramercy Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe, balanced flavors of raspberry, cool black fruits, and flavorful dried herbs.

2021 Matthiasson Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California); $90

Made by one of California’s most pioneering winemakers, this is a rich, yet restrained expression of the variety that promises to please a variety of preferences. Expect notes of red cherry, mulberry, and a mineral-driven finish.

2019 Les Allees de Cantemerle Haut-Medoc Rouge (Bordeaux, France); $23

A ‘best of both worlds’ option, this budget-friendly Bordeaux offers concentrated notes of red berries, sweet cherry, plum, and cedar.

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