a fun ai illustration of Mollie Mae the dog with cabernet franc bottles

Mollie Mae

Cabernet Franc

The unsung hero of the red wine world

many cabernet franc bottles shown
red wine bottle with wine glasses

The most important wine you never hear about.

Cabernet Franc is often overshadowed by its more famous offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon—but at Mollie Mae Wines, we believe it's time this vibrant red wine grape gets the spotlight it deserves. Grown in select vineyards across Napa Valley and surrounding California AVAs, our Cabernet Franc wine showcases all the characteristics that make this varietal a rising star in the wine world.

At Mollie Mae Wines, we’re all about giving credit where credit’s due—and it’s about time Cabernet Franc got its moment. It may not always hog the spotlight like Cabernet Sauvignon, but trust us—Cabernet Franc is the cool, creative cousin you definitely want at your dinner table (and in your glass).

Let’s break it down. Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red wine grapes out there, and fun fact—it’s actually the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (along with Sauvignon Blanc… talk about a power couple).

But this varietal isn’t just a sidekick. It’s lighter, fresher, and more aromatic—think bright red fruit, peppery spice, and a kiss of herbs. At Mollie Mae Wines, our Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley is crafted to showcase the grape’s bold personality and laid-back charm.

So... What Is Cabernet Franc

woman taking a sniff of wine during wine tasting

Tasting Notes

Cabernet Franc is basically a cozy sweater in a glass—with just enough sass to keep things interesting. When you pop the cork, you’ll get:

  • Aromas of violet, raspberry, and a little leafy green (in a good way)

  • Flavors of juicy plum, red cherry, black pepper, and a touch of cocoa

  • Medium body and smooth tannins for a velvety finish

  • A totally crushable wine that still feels fancy

This wine plays well with others—whether it’s grilled steak, pasta with tomato sauce, or a cheese board at 8PM because life is hard and you deserve it.

Try it with:

  • Herb-roasted chicken or lamb

  • Smoky barbecue ribs

  • Stuffed mushrooms

  • Cozy movie night snacks (cheese puffs count)

What to Eat With It? Basically Everything.

The Showdown

Glass of red wine in a picturesque vineyard

Cabernet Franc vs. Cabernet Sauvignon

Graphic comparing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon

 FAQs

  • Cabernet Franc typically has flavors of red cherry, plum, raspberry, and herbal spice, with hints of pepper, tobacco, and violet. It’s a medium-bodied red wine with bright acidity and soft tannins, making it incredibly food-friendly and easy to sip.

  • Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are related (Cab Franc is actually one of the parents of Cab Sauv), but they offer different experiences. Cabernet Franc is lighter, more aromatic, and slightly more herbaceous, while Cabernet Sauvignon is bolder and more tannic. Both are delicious in their own right!

  • Cabernet Franc is almost always made as a dry red wine, meaning it contains little to no residual sugar. The ripe fruit flavors can give the impression of sweetness, but technically, it's a dry varietal wine.

  • Yes! While it’s often enjoyed young for its bright fruit and freshness, well-made Cabernet Franc can age gracefully for 5–10 years, developing earthy and savory complexity over time.

  • Absolutely. Cabernet Franc is often described as approachable, smooth, and aromatic, making it a great introduction to red wines. Its balance of fruit and spice appeals to both casual sippers and serious wine fans alike.

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