Cabernet Franc – South Africa's Precision Grape

Cabernet Franc is South Africa's precision grape: in 1988, Norma Ratcliffe of Warwick Estate produced the country's first good single-varietal bottling – a variety that winemaker Bruwer Raats says works like a scalpel, delivering three aromatic dimensions at once: fruit, spice and herbaceousness.

Discover one of South Africa's rarest red wine varieties: from Warwick's historic first bottling to Raats' award-winning specialty – now available to buy as Cabernet Franc wine.

More about Cabernet Franc

1988 – Norma Ratcliffe and the First Good Single-Varietal Bottling

Norma and Stanley Ratcliffe planted Cabernet Franc at Warwick Estate in Stellenbosch back in 1981, following a trip to Bordeaux – using an Italian clone sourced through Distell. "We weren't the first to plant it, but we were the first to produce a good Cabernet Franc as a single varietal. That was 1988," Norma recalls. Her mentor, interestingly, was Nico Myburgh of Meerlust, who had already been using the variety for his Rubicon blend.[1]

Cabernet Franc in South Africa Today

At under 1% of the total vineyard area, Cabernet Franc remains a niche variety – the area under vine fell from around 1,000 hectares (2008) to 835 hectares (2016), with about 68% concentrated in Stellenbosch and Paarl. At the same time, the number of single-varietal bottlings has exploded: from 17 wines and 72,594 litres in 2005 to 147 wines and 254,289 litres in 2016.[1]

Flavours and Style

Winemaker Bruwer Raats describes Cabernet Franc as a "scalpel" that delivers three distinct aromatic dimensions at once with great precision: fruit, spice and a characteristic herbaceous note – backed by silky, soft tannins. Compared to the broader, more powerful character of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc comes across as more focused and elegant.[1]

Raats Family Wines – Specialists from Stellenbosch

Since 2000, Bruwer Raats has focused exclusively on two varieties in Polkadraai, Stellenbosch: Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. This deliberate specialisation has made Raats Family Wines a recognised pioneer and quality leader for Cabernet Franc, earning consistent acclaim both locally and abroad.[2]

Food Pairing

Cabernet Franc's elegant structure pairs beautifully with duck breast, grilled lamb and richly spiced braises. Try it with a beef fillet in a herb crust.

Buy Cabernet Franc From Us

Whether a historic first bottling from Warwick Estate or a precisely crafted specialty from Raats – our range features one of South Africa's rarest red wine varieties. Order online now, conveniently and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabernet Franc

Who produced South Africa's first single-varietal Cabernet Franc?

Norma Ratcliffe of Warwick Estate planted the variety in 1981 and produced the country's first good single-varietal Cabernet Franc in 1988 – though Meerlust had already planted it earlier for their Rubicon blend.

How much Cabernet Franc is grown in South Africa?

Under 1% of the total vineyard area – around 835 hectares (2016), concentrated in Stellenbosch and Paarl.

What does South African Cabernet Franc taste like?

Three aromatic dimensions at once – fruit, spice and herbaceousness – with silky, soft tannins and an elegant structure.

Why is Raats Family Wines known for Cabernet Franc?

Since 2000, the winery has focused exclusively on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, becoming a recognised pioneer and quality leader for the variety.

Is Cabernet Franc's popularity growing in South Africa?

Yes – while the area under vine has declined since 2008, single-varietal bottlings nearly tripled between 2005 and 2016.

How does Cabernet Franc differ from Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Franc comes across as more focused and elegant, with a characteristic herbaceous note, while Cabernet Sauvignon is broader and more powerful.

What foods pair well with Cabernet Franc?

Duck breast, grilled lamb and richly spiced braises pair particularly well, such as a beef fillet in a herb crust.

What was the Cordoba Crescendo?

A blend created by Chris Keet in 1995 with Cabernet Franc as the dominant variety – one of South Africa's first cult wines.