Cabernet Franc builds upon following as ‘third Bordeaux’

It’s known as “the third Bordeaux” variety, and it’s starting to gain more respect in the Pacific Northwest.

Cabernet Franc is Washington’s No. 4 red wine grape (after Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah), and dozens are being produced as standalone varietal wines.

Traditionally, the six Bordeaux reds (Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère) are blended together. Even in the New World, Cabernet Sauvignon has been the primary grape, with the others serving as little more than backup singers.

But thankfully, Cabernet Franc is taking center stage more often. At this spring’s Cascadia Wine Competition, nearly 40 Cabernet Francs were entered.

Here are nine delicious Cab Francs we’ve tasted recently.