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Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a black-skinned wine grape variety from France, however it is cultivated in the majority of wine producing nations around the world. The grape's home is considered to be Bordeaux however, where it is the third most planted behind Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is principally grown in order to blend with the two.
Cabernet Franc is believed to have arrived in the Libournais region of Bordeaux in the 17th century, brought to France by Cardinal Richelieu. The cuttings were planted at the Abbey of Bourgueil and cultivated by Abbot Breton, after whom the grape is still known in its native Loire Valley. A particularly old variety, Cabernet Franc has been shown to be a parent grape of Bordeaux's other primary varietals, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Carménère and the rare Hondarrabi Beltza grapes in Spain.
Despite having thin skins and low acidity, Cabernet Franc is known for its resilience and is often grown around the world as a backup grape as it ripens early to avoid the threat of poor weather later in the season. As such, it is commonly used for blending, however notable varietal wines like Chinon from the Loire Valley are also produced. Although mostly grown in France, Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated throughout Europe, in the New World, China and Kazakhstan.
Notable producers of Cabernet Franc wines are Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pétrus, Château Ausone, and Château Angélus in Bordeaux, and Clos Rougeard in the Loire Valley.
Notable regions
Cabernet Franc is predominantly found in the Libournais region of Bordeaux, and is also widely associated with the Anjou, Bourgueil, Chinon, and Saumur-Champigny regions of the Loire Valley. Elsewhere in France, the grape is also grown in large numbers in the Bergerac and Madiran AOCs.
It is also notably planted in northeast Italy and Hungary, Argentina and Chile, across the US and in Canada where it is used in the production of icewine.
Characteristics
Cabernet Franc grapes tend to produce dry red wines with medium body and medium-high tannins and acidity. As the grape is cultivated with success in a variety of climates and terroir, the characteristics of the wine can be varied.
The dominant flavours and aromas are generally fruit flavours like plum and raspberry, with sweeter strawberry and dried fruit notes in warmer climates. Cabernet Franc grapes also contain methoxypyrazines as a natural defence against pests, which are aroma compounds that produce notes of bell pepper, peas, elderflower and bittersweet chocolate.