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Cabernet Franc

Red Grape Variety
Romanian Wines - Cabernet Franc
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International Red Grape · Bordeaux Variety

Cabernet Franc

An elegant Bordeaux variety finding distinctive expressions across Romanian terroirs

Red International 163 ha

Cabernet Franc is one of the classic red grape varieties of Bordeaux, valued both as a varietal wine and as an important component of some of the world's most celebrated red blends.

Closely related to Cabernet Sauvignon, it generally ripens earlier and adapts particularly well to cooler conditions, where it can retain freshness while developing an elegant and complex aromatic profile.

Its wines typically combine red and dark berries with floral, herbal and subtly spicy notes, supported by lively acidity and fine tannins that give Cabernet Franc its characteristic refinement and ageing potential.

THE GRAPE

Cabernet Franc in Romania

Around 163 hectares of Cabernet Franc are cultivated in Romania. Although its vineyard area remains relatively limited, the variety has attracted increasing interest from Romanian producers, who are exploring its ability to express the diversity of the country's climates and terroirs.

In Muntenia, particularly in the renowned Dealu Mare vineyard, the warm growing season and favourable hillside sites allow Cabernet Franc to achieve excellent ripeness. The wines can show generous dark-fruit character, fine tannic structure and, when matured in oak, subtle notes of spice and vanilla.

Banat offers another compelling environment for Cabernet Franc. Temperature variations between day and night can help preserve acidity and aromatic definition, resulting in wines combining red and black fruit with freshness, elegance and a persistent finish.

In Oltenia, sunny slopes and varied soils can produce richer and more structured interpretations, while the cooler conditions and higher elevations of Transylvania favour more delicate expressions, with vibrant berry fruit, herbal nuances and well-defined acidity.

These contrasting Romanian terroirs demonstrate the versatility of Cabernet Franc. From ripe and structured southern expressions to fresher and more aromatic styles from cooler vineyards, the variety is developing an increasingly distinctive place within contemporary Romanian winemaking.

WHERE IT GROWS

Principal Romanian Regions

PROFILE

Typical Tasting Notes

Blackberry Blackberry
Blackcurrant Blackcurrant
Raspberry Raspberry
Green Bell Pepper Green Bell Pepper
DISCOVER

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