cabernet franc

noun, often capitalized C&F cab·er·net franc \ ˌka-bər-ˈnā-ˈfräŋk , -ˈfräⁿ \

|Updated on: 17 Aug 2018

Definition of cabernet franc

: a dry red wine often used in blends (as with merlot or cabernet sauvignon)

Recent Examples of cabernet franc from the Web

One of the most unusual characteristics of Lafleur is the high percentage of cabernet franc in the vineyard, more than 50 percent, a proportion that is often reflected in the wine.

— eric asimov, New York Times, "In Pomerol, Wines of Grandeur From Modest Estates," 26 Feb. 2018
Among the most popular are pinot blanc, pinot gris (also called pinot grigio by some Michigan winemakers), sauvignon blanc, riesling, gewurztraminer and chardonnay on the white side; or pinot noir, cabernet franc and merlot on the red side.

— michael austin, chicagotribune.com, "Explore Michigan's diverse wine scene, one of the country's most exciting developing regions," 5 July 2018
Domaine Ilarria, one of my favorite producers, makes a great rosé, and this superb, lithe, earthy red, made primarily of tannat and cabernet franc, with a bit of cabernet sauvignon.

— eric asimov, New York Times, "20 Wines Under $20: Plenty of Variety and Not One Chardonnay," 17 May 2018
The French wines include a sparkling rosé, grenache, grenache rosé, syrah, and cabernet franc.

— madison roberts, PEOPLE.com, "Walmart Launches a New Line of Budget-Friendly Wines," 13 June 2018
Aged seven years in both Loire Valley cabernet franc and California red wine barrels.

— jason wilson, New York Times, "Picking an Extra Añejo Tequila Takes Extra Care," 30 Apr. 2018
Cornas from the northern Rhône would go well, as would structured cabernet francs from the Loire Valley.

— melissa clark, New York Times, "Beef and Onions, Made Better With Beer," 26 Jan. 2018
Chardonnay also has been a popular grape variety in Israel; other popular grapes include reds cabernet franc and carignann the red side, and whites sauvignon blanc and gewurztraminer.

— michael austin, chicagotribune.com, "Israel's winemaking more global, contemporary than ever," 7 Mar. 2018
The cabernet franc wines of the Loire have been perennially great values, and this remains true even though wine writers have for years been desperately trying to give away the secret.

— eric asimov, New York Times, "20 Wines Under $20: Touring the World, Familiar to Obscure," 25 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cabernet franc.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.