Buying Guide · 5 min read
Cabernet Franc on Long Island: Top Producers and Bottles to Buy Now
Often called the signature red grape of the region, Cabernet Franc thrives in the maritime climate of Long Island. This guide explores the best producers and bottles you need to taste.
Cabernet Franc on Long Island: Top Producers and Bottles to Buy Now
If you have spent any time exploring the wines of the East End, you know that while Merlot may be the most planted grape, Cabernet Franc is often considered the most exciting. Known for its ability to thrive in cool, maritime climates, this varietal has found a second home on the North Fork and in the Hamptons.
In this guide, we dive deep into the world of Long Island Cabernet Franc, exploring why this grape is the region’s rising star and which bottles you should add to your cellar immediately.
The Signature Red of the Region
For decades, the conversation around Long Island reds focused heavily on the Long Island Merlot & Cabernet Franc relationship. While both grapes are essential components of the region's famous Bordeaux-style blends, Cabernet Franc has emerged as a powerhouse in its own right.
Unlike its parent grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, which can struggle to ripen in short or wet growing seasons, Cabernet Franc is resilient. It offers a profile of bright red fruit, savory herbs, and often a touch of black pepper or graphite that reflects the sandy loam soils of the North Fork. Whether it is vinified as a light, chillable red or a structured, age-worthy powerhouse, it consistently expresses the unique terroir of mid-Atlantic viticulture.
Why It Thrives on the East End
The climate here is frequently compared to Bordeaux, but with a unique Atlantic twist. The surrounding waters of the Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound act as a thermal blanket, extending the growing season into late October. This allows Cabernet Franc to lose its aggressive green pyrazines and develop complex floral and spicy notes.
As noted in our journal, the evolution of farming practices on the island has also played a role. Growers are now more selective with clonal selection and leaf pulling, ensuring each cluster gets the sunlight it needs to reach peak maturity.
Top Producers of Cabernet Franc to Watch
When you are looking for the best expressions of this grape, several names consistently rise to the top. Many of these are available through local retailers or directly from the estates.
1. Macari Vineyards
Macari has long been a leader in high-quality Cabernet Franc. Their 'Lifeforce' series often features concrete-aged expressions that highlight the purity of the fruit, while their reserve bottlings show the grape's capacity for elegance and structure.
2. Lieb Cellars
Lieb is known for a leaner, more mineral-driven style. Their Cabernet Franc often showcases the "savory" side of the grape—think dried herbs, thyme, and crushed rocks. It is an food-pairing champion, especially with local duck or roasted root vegetables.
3. Paumanok Vineyards
A heavy hitter in the region, Paumanok produces a Cabernet Franc that is often bold and deeply concentrated. In exceptional years, their Grand Vintage offerings are among the most sought-after bottles in the state.
4. Bedell Cellars
Bedell takes a modern, artistic approach to the varietal. Their Cabernet Franc is known for its silky tannins and vibrant violet aromatics. It is often the perfect entry point for those new to the region's red wines.
Bottles to Buy Now
Ready to stock your wine fridge? Here are a few standout vintages and labels to seek out:
Macari Cabernet Franc Reserve: A structured wine with notes of black cherry and toasted oak. Perfect for aging. Wölffer Estate Cabernet Franc: From the Hamptons side, this wine often shows a slightly cooler, more elegant profile with beautiful acidity. * Channing Daughters Cabernet Franc: Often experimental, look for their unique fermentations that might include skin contact or neutral oak.
Buying Guide: Where to Shop
You can find many of these selections at specialized online shops.
Purchase top-rated Long Island reds on Wine.com.
Find historical vintages and community ratings on Vivino.
How to Pair Long Island Cabernet Franc
Because of its medium body and high acidity, this wine is incredibly versatile at the dinner table. It shines alongside:
Roasted Poultry: The herbal notes of the wine complement rosemary and thyme-rubbed chicken. Game Meats: Duck is a local staple on Long Island and the perfect partner for a North Fork red. * Vegetarian Fare: Mushroom-based dishes or roasted red peppers bring out the earthy undertones of the grape.
If you are visiting the region, be sure to secure an OpenTable reservation at one of the farm-to-table restaurants in Greenport or Southold to see these pairings in action.
Book a table at leading North Fork restaurants via OpenTable.
Planning Your Tasting Tour
To truly understand the diversity of Long Island Cabernet Franc, you need to taste it at the source. Many wineries offer vertical tastings that show how the wine evolves over several years in the bottle.
If you prefer not to drive, a guided tour is the best way to hit several top producers in a single afternoon. You can learn about the soil, the sea air, and the winemaking philosophy directly from the experts.
Book a guided North Fork wine tour with Viator.
The Future of the Grape
As climate change shifts growing patterns, Cabernet Franc is poised to become even more dominant. Its ability to handle moisture and its early-ripening nature make it a safer bet than many other red varietals. For collectors, now is the time to start cellaring these wines, as the prestige (and prices) of Long Island’s premier reds continues to climb.
Whether you are a local enthusiast or a visitor from afar, dedicating a weekend to the discovery of Cabernet Franc is a must for any serious wine lover. From the salt-sprayed vines of the North Fork to the refined estates of the Hamptons, this grape is the true voice of the island.