International Cabernet Franc Day: A myriad of styles in the spotlight

You're enticed immediately by gently floral aromas, seeping into dark plum and blackberry. The first sip is so delectable, the wine moulding effortlessly to the shape of the mouth, it fits snugly and comfortingly. Juicy and succulent, it glows with bright plump fruit and flows into an endless finish. A new producer to the BBR range, this is a killer buy at under £30. Excellent.

This trellised vineyard in the Bottelary hills was planted in 2004 with the CF1 Cabernet Franc clone on decomposed granite soils. At 225m, the site is 16.5km north of False Bay and 22.5km east of Table Bay, so the ocean has a significant climatic impact on the vines. The resulting low yields consist of small bunches with great concentration and structure. Fruit for the 2023 was destemmed and gravity fed into tulip-shaped concrete fermenters, then the wine matured for 11 months in 1,000-litre French oak vats. Dirceu Vianna Junior MW: Ethereal and seductive. Ripe forest fruits, delicate herbal notes. Polished and delicious, with silky tannins. Great fruit concentration and harmony. Eugenio Egorov: Nose of plums, blackberries and figs with hints of herbs, leather and spices. Elegant palate with good fruit extraction and freshness. Roger Jones: Juicy, concentrated, primary. Ripe fruit-driven, tobacco, liquorice, violets, cedar and spice. Quite chunky but appealing, with a fresh vibrancy.

Reyneke's new Estate Range showcases the best fruit from its Stellenbosch farm in more environmentally friendly packaging. This perfumed Cab Franc exudes energy with its vibrant red fruit, underlined by finely drawn notes of cocoa powder, tobacco, herbs and freshly turned earth. Expressive, with fine supple tannins: so much drinking pleasure here!

A highlight from a recent Canadian tasting, that will appeal to those who enjoy the firm grip, crisp acidity, fresh pencil lead aromas and herbal tones of Loire Cabernet Franc, but with more blackcurrant generosity and smooth, creamy tannins. Delicious!

The first organic-certified vintage from this traditional estate, run by a family who want to introduce a new Bordeaux style of fun, and friendly drinkable wines. 100% Cabernet Franc from young vines, vinified in stainless steel. Smells fresh and a little like Beaujolais, full of raspberry and cherry fruit, super-expressive. Tasty and lively, great clean fruit with some herbal, minty and clove touches. Easy, sappy but still structured; try it cool.

A value Bordeaux for immediate drinking and made without the use of sulphites, L’Equilibriste is a Cabernet Franc-based blend from the estate, moving towards organic farming and located exactly on Bordeaux’s eatern border with Dordogne. Aromas of dark plums, liquorice and turned earth lead to a palate that boasts robust black fruits, notes of tobacco leaf and a touch of sweet soil. Great length and an ample structure.

A great, approachable summer red, this unoaked Cabernet Franc from the Loire combines lively acidity with sappy, bright cherry and raspberry, strawberry fruit. It's basically summer pudding in a glass, unoaked to maximise freshness, but with 10 to 20 days' skin contact adding texture. Stick it in the fridge for 15 minutes before you open it, and it will be even more perfect for summer sipping.

Classically fresh and fragrant, light and gently crunchy, this 100% unoaked Cabernet Franc is a chillable pleasure, with its graphite-shaded blackcurrant and raspberry fruit and a refreshing hint of green leafiness. Simple but fun, it makes direct company for tuna steaks.

An elegant, uncomplicated value red from the Loire. Dried flowers, fleshy red berries and a hint of pencil shavings on the nose. Juicy and fruit-forward, with good freshness, dark spices, and a touch of grip and extraction. A great match for red meat.