CABERNET FRANC
Cabernet Franc is a blue-black grape that is grown around the world, mostly for blending with other red wine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but also for its own varietal wines. Cabernet Franc is also commonly used for ice wines in North America. The varietal wines created from Cabernet Franc grapes is bright red because of the light color of the grapes.
Cabernet franc is one of the genetic parents of cabernet sauvignon (the other is sauvignon blanc). Cabernet franc was also found to be the common ancestor among other grapes of Bordeaux, including carmenère, malbec, and merlot.
Cabernet Franc is far less famous than other red wine varieties, despite being one of the most planted wine grapes in the world and despite being a key ingredient in many of the world's best blended wines.
The wine produced from Cabernet Franc is slightly acidic, aromatic and a deep purple color. Aromas identified with the wine include red bell pepper, raspberry, tobacco and violet. The region of growth and style of production determines the aromas that are present in the wine.
Grape Variety
Cabernet Franc
Use in Old World
Chinon in the Loire, as a blending grape in Bordeaux
Use in New World
US
Color
Light to medium, bright red
Aroma
Raspberry
Body
Light to medium
Wine Making Flavors
Often made in whole or partial CM style.
Blended with
Alone or as part of a Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
Other
Just starting to catch on in the US.
Categories:
Red Wine Grapes