Cabernet Franc should be served at room temperature. The fuller-bodied, more-structured styles, especially Bordeaux, will benefit from being poured into a decanter and allowed to breathe for up to one hour before serving.

Most Cabernet Franc is meant to be consumed within two to four years of vintage date. Blended examples from Bordeaux, however, will generally be best three to seven years from vintage.

American Cabernet Franc is meant to be consumed two to three years of vintage.

Store bottles in a cool, dark place. While it is now common for wine makers to use plastic corks or screw-tops lids which may be stored vertically or horizontally, those with the traditional corks should be laid on their sides to keep them moist.