Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is one of the most planted red grapes in the world. It is used, above all, to mix with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux wine, but can also be vinified alone, as in the Chinon wine of the Loire. In addition, it is made as an ice wine to produce varietal and blended wines in the United States and Canada.

It is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, and produces a bright, light red wine that contributes to finesse and leaves a peppery aroma when mixed with more robust grapes. Depending on the region in which it grows and the style of the wine, it may have additional aromas such as tobacco, raspberry, pepper, black currant and violets.

The success of this variety in Bordeaux dates back to the late eighteenth century, although it has been planted in the Loire long before. DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet Franc is one of the fathers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere.