There’s no doubt that Cabernet Sauvignon is king—it’s the most widely planted, widely acclaimed and widely sought-after red wine in the world. But today, we’re here to talk about the other Cabernet.
Mr. Sauvignon, please step aside to make way for Mr. Franc, because Cabernet Franc is perhaps as underrated as Cabernet Sauvignon is popular. Here’s why:
Rooted in Greatness
The similar names between the two grapes are no coincidence. Both are considered “Bordeaux varieties” that originate from the famed Bordeaux region of France. Other classic Bordeaux red grapes include Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
In the Left Bank area of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon predominates. However, in the Right Bank, Cabernet Franc is often a prominent part of a blend alongside Merlot, but several estates—most notably the iconic Château Cheval Blanc—feature Cabernet Franc as the dominant or equal-leading grape. Cabernet Franc is also dominant in France’s Loire Valley.
In other words, despite being overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon in the United States, Cabernet Franc is a major force in some of the world’s greatest wines. So maybe it’s time we started paying more attention to California-grown expressions of this grapes!
Grown in Paso Robles
Which brings us to Ancient Peaks and our estate Margarita Vineyard in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA of Paso Robles, where Cabernet Franc has become a fixture.
Paso Robles is renowned for being a world-class region for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Additionally, Santa Margarita Ranch AVA boasts the coolest growing conditions in Paso Robles, making it uniquely suited to producing a Cabernet Franc of pure varietal typicity and elegance.
Our current release 2021 Cabernet Franc comes primarily from Block 9 at Margarita Vineyard, which slopes toward a northeastern exposure. This orientation shields the vines from the late afternoon sunlight, resulting in a long, steady growing season that produces Cabernet Franc fruit with beautiful ripeness and proportion. Finally, this block’s calcareous sea bed soils—which are riddled with ancient oyster fossils—contribute a distinctly elegant texture to the fruit.
Try It Yourself
The Ancient Peaks 2021 Cabernet Franc is a special winemaker’s selection blended from just 16 barrels. Cabernet Franc (94%) sets the tone with its pretty aromatics, while Merlot (6%) adds a touch of texture and berry fruit dimension. This wine underwent extended aging for 23 months in 60 percent new French oak.
The resulting wine is beautifully scented with notes of raspberry, cherry pie, coffee and sage. Soft and integrated on the palate, it shows flavors of fresh plum and pomegranate with accents of blue fruits, tobacco, dried herb and light oak spices. Fine tannins and juicy textures carry deep into the finish.