Why Cabernet Franc Is the Most Intriguing Red Wine You Should Be Drinking
Aug 10, 2026
Cabernet franc always feels like the grape world’s Jekyll and Hyde. When everything aligns, it’s utterly beautiful—aromatic, well-built, herbaceous and lively. When things go south, you’re left with Mr. Hyde: an overly green, astringent bitterness that hangs around like a bad mood. The culprit is a natural compound called pyrazine: in high concentrations it gives off green-pepper, jalapeño or asparagus notes; in moderation, it morphs into red pepper and savory herbs de Provence—thyme, rosemary, sage, mint, even oregano.
Steven Kent Mirassou knows that duality well. A literature major by training, he fell in love with the classics like Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” before joining his family’s 172-year-old California winery as its sixth generation to make wine. The family sold the label to E. & J. Gallo in 2003, prompting Steven to launch the Steven Kent Winery in Livermore Valley back in 1996. It didn’t take him long to realize that Livermore’s conditions were perfect for cultivating cabernet franc’s gentler side.
The Mirassou family: Steven Mirassou, Beth Mirassou, Aidan Mirassou, Sara Mirassou
Livermore Valley needed a grape to rally behind, and now they have an indefatigable cheerleader to lead the way. As Mirassou says, you don’t want to be known for every grape variety; drawing attention to just one provides Livermore Valley the attention it deserves.
Other cab francs
Ehlers Estate Napa Valley La Perdiz Cabernet Franc 2023 ($82). Winemaker Adam Casto has been experimenting with this grape variety in various forms, but the La Perdiz
Casadei Filare 18 Cabernet Franc 2022 (Famiglia Casadei)
needs no experimentation. A solid performance with opulent floral aromas with blueberry and blackberry notes. With 30 percent merlot added, it has round and luscious character but firm tannins to make it a blockbuster wine for aging or current consumption.
Casadei Filare 18 Cabernet Franc 2022 ($70). Tuscany is not a place you think of for cabernet franc, but this version is a world-class standout. Made entirely of cabernet franc, it has a full body, generous spice and fruit aromas with a full, hedonistic mouthfeel and hints of olives and dried rosemary. It can age for a decade, but the soft tannins make it enjoyable now.
Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery Cabernet Franc Estate Middleburg, Virginia 2022 ($39). We really liked this red wine. Flavors of black cherry and a bit of vanilla along with a hint of herbs. The wine finished with a wave of olives and herbs.
Le Vigne Estate Cabernet Franc 2021 ($50). Sourcing grapes from one block in the estate’s di Domenico vineyard, the winemaker has created a deep and luscious wine with plum and cherry notes, brisk acidity and hints of black pepper and dried herbs.