Top 5 South African Cabernet Franc Wines
It's no secret that I often call Cabernet Franc my favourite red grape. Sometimes in rebellion of Cabernet Sauvignon's bullying 'pick me' attitude...but mostly because I adore the savoury qualities, brightness and, of course, friendlier tannins of Cab Franc. Here, in no particular order, are my current Top 5 South African Cabernet Francs:
Raats Family Cabernet Franc
The affordable Dolomite is the Cab Franc that most often cycles through my wine shelf. It’s, quite frankly 😂, how I learned to identify the grape and I frequently use it as an example to beginner wine enthusiasts. However, if your budget allows, this Estate Cabernet Franc turns the dial to max volume with intense aromas and flavours of red and black berry fruit, fynbos, lavender and rosemary, cloves and star anise, and pencil graphite.
Joubert-Tradauw Reserwe Cabernet Franc
This Cabernet Franc was an unexpected find from the Klein Karoo. Quintessentially Cab Franc aromas of raspberries, cranberries, plums, pencil shavings, tomato leaf, cloves, cedar, savoury charcuterie, and even saffron. And the older bottlings offer tertiary hints of raisin, soy sauce, cooked fruits, and leather.
A Klein Karoo post that includes this Cab Franc can be read here.
Oldenburg Cabernet Franc
Sure, I have a weakness for Cab Franc. And this wine from Oldenburg would make you weak at the knees too. Earlier vintages had me focused on herbaceous green bell peppers, red fruits and spice. More recent vintages had me adding floral lavender, savoury tomato sauce, dried spices like coriander, black and red berries, ripe red plums, dried wood, and then only noting the green and red bell peppers. Velvety tannins, concentrated flavours, and fabulous winemaking with absolute potential for bottle ageing.
Van Loggerenberg Breton Cabernet Franc
Ever since first discovering this wine I’ve religiously repurchased it year after year. Because it’s bloody delish! Plush with cashmere tannins, yet still juicy and light. Red and black plums, floral violets, dried herbs, peppercorns, and the pencil shavings that seal the deal.
Morgenster Cabernet Franc
It’s a remarkably well priced example that offers heaps of grape typicity (red fruits, tomato leaf, roasted red bell peppers), quality and invested winemaking (gentle cigar box and cloves), and bright acidity that makes this a lighter bodied expression of Cab Franc that is just to easy to drink.
My review of their Sauvignon Blanc and Cab Franc can be read here.
Note that this list does not include blends.
Disclaimer: I have not tasted every single SA wine. These are the wines that are memorable to me and that, in my opinion, deserve a mention. These lists are subject to change/updates as I explore more wines. Discourse is always encouraged - I look forward to learning from you.