A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Cabernet Franc

Pronounce this popular red wine grape variety.

cabernet franc

kab-er-NAY FRANK

/ˌkæb.ərˌneɪ ˈfrɑŋk/  ·  kab · er · nay · franc

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Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

It's also frequently discussed in wine reviews and by wine enthusiasts discussing grape varietals and blends.

Where the word comes from

The name 'Cabernet Franc' is French, referring to the grape's origin and its association with the Bordeaux region. It's one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • CAB-er-net FRANC The stress is on the last syllable of 'Cabernet', not the first. Think of it as ka-ber-NAY.
  • CAB-er-net FRONK The final sound is an 'ah' like in 'father', not an 'oh' or 'aw'.

Frequently asked

Is Cabernet Franc a red or white wine?

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape. It produces red wines, often with notes of raspberry, violet, and bell pepper.

What does Cabernet Franc taste like?

It typically has medium body with bright acidity and flavors of raspberry, cherry, and sometimes a characteristic herbaceous note like bell pepper or pencil lead.

Is Cabernet Franc related to Cabernet Sauvignon?

Yes, Cabernet Franc is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon. The other parent is Sauvignon Blanc.