The world of wine grapes is diverse, with different varieties competing for their strengths and competitions. Among the red grape varieties, the most well-known cabernet sauvignon is arguably the dominant, having successfully taken root in almost every region of the world since its inception. Although it is always the "protagonist" aura on the head, Cabernet Sauvignon is inevitably compared to other varieties, cabernet franc is one of them.
Not only is Cabernet Sauvignon quite similar in name, but it is also one of The Cabernet Sauvignon's parents! So is Cabernet Sauvignon "blue out of blue better than blue"? What are the similarities and differences between the two?
Left: Cabernet Franc; Right: Cabernet Sauvignon (Image: Julius kuhn-institut)
First, the variety profile
Dating back to the 12th century, Cabernet Franc originated in the Basque region on the border between France and Spain and appeared in Bordeaux, France in the 17th century, making it one of the most important and oldest red grape varieties in the Bordeaux region. In contrast, Cabernet Sauvignon was born in southwestern France in the 17th century, much later than Cabernet Franc. In the 1990s, DNA tests showed that Cabernet Sauvignon was naturally hybridized from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc. Cabernet Sauvignon and its parent, Pinnacle, have some similarities in terms of variety characteristics, both of which are more tenacious and adaptable to the soil and climate of different regions.
Gravel soils in vineyards (Image: www.cantemerle.com)
Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller fruits, thicker skins, higher acidity, high tannin content, and late germination and ripening of grapes. Although adaptable, Cabernet Sauvignon prefers mild or hot climates as well as well-drained soils, which may struggle to fully mature in colder years or in areas with cool climates. Compared with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc has a thinner peel, lower tannin content and acidity, germination and ripening period are earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, easy to fully mature, its cold tolerance is stronger, suitable for planting in limestone and clay, or sandy soil with better drainage conditions.
Second, the wine style
2012 7&8 Château Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are generally darker in colour, full-bodied, full of tannins, moderate to high acidity, accompanied by aromas of black fruits such as blackcurrants and black cherries and green peppers; Cabernet Sauvignon wines ripened in new oak barrels also emit cedar, cigar boxes and tobacco, and good Cabernet Sauvignon wines usually have excellent aging potential.
2013 Château Chiran Winery Pinot Rosé Wines
The classic Cabernet Franc red wine is relatively light in color, emitting delicate red fruit aromas, including cherry, strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by herbs, bell peppers and tomatoes, the wine is medium, the tannins are moderate, the acidity is medium to high, the taste is delicate and smooth, and it is very easy to drink.
Third, the main production areas
Because Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are relatively strong in the vitality and adaptability of parents and children, their footprints can be said to be all over the world's major wine-producing regions.
Cabernet Franc
The right bank of Bordeaux is one of Cabernet Franc's classic stages, and in addition to the soil that best suits Cabernet Franc to grow, there are also some famous estates that particularly prefer Cabernet Franc, such as chateau cheval blanc and chateau ausone. Among these famous estates, Cabernet Franc not only has a high proportion of cultivation, but also occupies an extremely important position in its authentic wines. Cabernet Franc also plays an indispensable role in most Of the Bordeaux red wines, which are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon or merlot. When paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc balances the structure and taste of the wine, while with Merlot, Cabernet Franc gives the wine a more complex flavor and layering.
Chateau Whitehorse Vineyards (Image: Gerard Uferas ©)
Stepping out of Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc also has a bright performance in the Loire valley. The Loire Valley is one of the heartlands of France's Cabernet Franc, where the more famous Cabernet Franc wine regions include bourgueil, saumur-champigny and chinon. Premium Cabernet Franc wines from the Loire Valley are generally tannin-soft, balanced in structure and silky in taste, with aromas of red fruits and notes of pencil shavings.
Cabernet Franc is also grown in Italy, the United States, Argentina and Chile. Among the many international varieties, Cabernet Franc is slightly low-key in terms of reputation, but its potential should not be underestimated.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-deserved internationally popular variety that is widely grown in the world's major wine regions. Cabernet Sauvignon can be seen from France, its origin, to Argentina, across the ocean, from traditional French blends to Cult wine in the United States.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
In France, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon is mainly concentrated in the Bordeaux region, especially in the Medoc and graves on the Left Bank. These areas have deep gravel soils with good drainage and heat storage, which is conducive to the growth and maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended here with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and petit verdot. As the dominant variety, Cabernet Sauvignon usually provides wines with rich and complex black fruit aromas, abundant tannins and full bodies, and gives wines considerable ageing potential.
The United States is another important wine-producing country for Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Napa Valley in California is one of the leading producers. Since the judgment of paris in 1976, the Napa Valley has gained fame. It produces many of the world's most popular Cabernet Sauvignon wines, which are fruity, full-bodied and well-structured, and are loved by wine lovers.
In addition to France and the United States, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in wine-producing countries such as Australia, Italy, Chile, Argentina and South Africa, producing wines of different styles.
In short, the masculine and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon and the gentle and beautiful Cabernet Franc have their own advantages, only the difference in style, not the difference between good and bad. If you want to enjoy their own excitement, you may wish to take a look at it.
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