Cabernet Franc Day – December 4, 2022, history, significance
Cabernet Franc Day is on December 4 each year, and we’re happy this exquisite wine gets the spotlight for once. Wine lovers have their favorites, but every day would be Cabernet Franc Day if it were up to us. It has lived in the shadows of the Cabernet Sauvignon for too long. Did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon would not exist without Cabernet Franc? It’s just one of several reasons we love it.
HISTORY OF CABERNET FRANC DAY
Also called Cab Franc Day, the first-ever celebration took place in 2015, but it all began in southwest France sometime in the 17th century with Cardinal Richelieu’s love for a particular blue-black grape. He loved them so much that he transported vine cuttings from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley.
The berry has been growing and thriving there ever since. Today, Cabernet Franc is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. To remember Cardinal Richelieu’s legacy, we celebrate Cabernet Franc Day on December 4 – the anniversary of his death. Without his passion for the grape, the world would be bereft of the Cabernet Franc.
But that’s not all. If it weren’t for Cabernet Franc, we wouldn’t have the Cabernet Sauvignon either. DNA analysis has proven that Cabernet Sauvignon was ‘born’ after accidental contamination between the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. So, we can safely say that Cabernet Franc is the father wine of Cabernet Sauvignon. We love the fruits (excuse the pun) of this happy accident.
Cabernet Franc is among the top three grape varieties grown for wine manufacturing today. It can be vinified on its own or blended with the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon a la Bordeaux. The grapes also make fantastic ice wine. Cabernet Franc wines contain delicate sweet-savory flavors and each sip tastes of herbs and peppery earthiness.
The wines are also aromatic with red fruit scents of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and tomato. Since the wine has medium-to-high acidity, it makes a delightfully refreshing drink. Over the years, Cabernet Sauvignon has dominated the industry. Now, Cabernet Franc finally gets its much-deserved day in the sun.
CABERNET FRANC DAY TIMELINE
1600s
Modest Beginnings
The Cabernet Franc grapes grow quietly in the Loire Valley.
1700s
Its Popularity Soars
The grape gains a massive following in Pomerol and Saint Emilion.
Late 1700s
No Place Like Bordeaux
Cabernet Franc finds a home in France’s wine capital.
2015
The First Cab Franc Day
The world recognizes and officially honors the premium grape variety.
CABERNET FRANC DAY ACTIVITIES
Sip some Cabernet Franc
Undoubtedly, the best way to celebrate the day is with a glass of Cabernet Franc. Pair the wine with chicken, fish, veal, pork, beef, or even cheese. It tastes incredible with almost any kind of food.
Learn the history
Discover more about the history and origins of Cabernet Franc. Indulge in some reading and time-traveling – book in one hand and Franc in the other.
Make homemade wine
Learn how to make wine at home. Look up online resources or take a class to learn winemaking with the Cabernet Franc grape.
5 FACTS ABOUT SAUVIGNON BLANC THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
A 17th-century love story
Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc vines met, created magic, and Cabernet Sauvignon was born.
Wild thing
Sauvignon means ‘wild,’ befitting a vine that needs several vineyard hands to control its growth.
The ideal blend
The French usually blend Sauvignon with Sémillion.
Sauvignon and food are perfect together
Pair it with anything garlicky or foods you can top up with a squeeze of lemon.
It has a modern-day alias
The wine also goes by the name Fumé Blanc attributed to Robert Mondavi, a Californian vineyard grower.
WHY WE LOVE CABERNET FRANC DAY
We love wine
Wine makes any meal and gathering fun, and Cabernet Franc Day is yet another reason to bring out your wine glasses.
Wine is good for you
We know the occasional glass of wine is good for health. What better occasion than a day that celebrates one of the world’s finest grapes!
A touch of history and sophistication
Far from binge drinking, Cabernet Franc Day is a great chance to appreciate wine. Let’s take some time today to marvel at its rich history and journey.
