If there’s one thing I’ve learnt padding through these vineyards season after season, it’s how to judge a good wine long before it reaches your glass. Humans swirl, sniff and sip. Dogs? We observe, we sense, and (if you ask Dino) we occasionally stick our noses where they don’t belong.
But today’s lesson is simple, educational and straight from my paws to your palate: why Cabernet Franc and Tannat make the perfect marriage. Think of it as relationship counselling… but for grapes. And trust me, these two complement each other better than a well-aged bone and a sunny spot on the tasting-room stoep.
Cabernet Franc: The Elegant One
Cabernet Franc is that graceful, quietly confident character in the vineyard. The kind who walks in with structure, finesse and a bouquet so pretty even Nibby stops barking for a moment.
Personality Traits:
-
Perfumed and aromatic
-
Silky and refined
-
Full of red fruit and gentle spice
-
Medium build, balanced and expressive
Cabernet Franc brings freshness, lift, and beautiful aromatics. But every hero has a shadow, and for Cab Franc, it’s this: sometimes it’s too polite. Too gentle. Too well-behaved. Like Enzo trying to manage harvest chaos with a clipboard and a smile.
That’s where its partner comes in…
Did you know?
Cabernet Franc is one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it many of its signature aromas and elegance.
Tannat: The Muscle With a Tender Heart
Tannat is bold. Tannat is powerful. Tannat is the colleague who arrives early, fixes the fence, chases off the guinea fowl and then asks who needs help in the cellar.
Personality Traits:
-
Dark, brooding fruit
-
Firm tannins
-
High natural structure
-
Built to age for years
But even strength needs balance. Tannat alone can sometimes be a bit… intense. The sort of wine that, if it were a dog, would accidentally knock over the outdoor furniture while happily wagging its tail.
Did you know?
Tannat is naturally one of the highest tannin grapes in the world, which is why it delivers such incredible structure and ageing potential.
Why They’re Magic Together
Now picture these two side by side:
-
Cab Franc with its perfume and elegance
-
Tannat with its depth and power
When they join forces, one fills in the gaps of the other like true vineyard soulmates.
Cabernet Franc softens Tannat’s edges.
It brings brightness, aroma and finesse — giving Tannat room to express itself without overwhelming the senses.
Tannat strengthens Cabernet Franc’s backbone.
It adds structure, colour and intensity — giving the blend staying power and a long, memorable finish.
Together, they create a wine that’s beautifully lifted but deeply grounded, refined yet assertive, and complex without being complicated. A bit like Dino and I during harvest: he brings the swagger, I bring the order.
Did you know?
Tannat is considered the national grape of Uruguay and is the country’s most widely planted red variety, loved for its rich, bold character and food-friendly structure. Cabernet Franc is also growing in popularity there, with winemakers increasingly blending the two to create elegant, structured wines with great aging potential.
How to Judge This Blend Without Barking Up the Wrong Tree
When tasting a Cab Franc–Tannat blend, look for:
Balance
Neither grape should dominate. Like a well-run vineyard team, every member should have a role.
Aromatic lift from the Franc
Red fruit, flowers, subtle spice — that’s your clue the Franc is doing its job.
Structured depth from the Tannat
The grip, the richness, the age-worthiness — that’s pure Tannat muscle.
A smooth, confident finish
The best blends walk away gracefully, not in a rush.
Harmony
If it tastes like the grapes are arguing, send it back. Life’s too short for bickering wine.
