Cabernet Franc
Red Grape of Bordeaux

Cabernet Franc is a black-skinned grape variety known for its role in Bordeaux wine blends and as a single varietal in various wine regions around the world. It's admired for its fragrant aromas and ability to ripen earlier than its offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Origins: The origins of Cabernet Franc are believed to be in the Basque country, on the border between modern-day Spain and France. From there, it spread to Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and beyond.
Relationship to Cabernet Sauvignon: Through genetic testing, Cabernet Franc has been identified as one of the parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon (the other being Sauvignon Blanc). This makes Cabernet Franc a sort of "granddaddy" in the Bordeaux region.
Taste Profile: Cabernet Franc wines are often characterized by their aromas of red berries, violets, and, notably, a green bell pepper or crushed leaf note. They can also present flavors of raspberry, cassis, and sometimes graphite or pencil shavings.
Texture & Aging: Typically, Cabernet Franc produces wines with a lighter body and softer tannins compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. While many Cabernet Franc wines are designed to be drunk young, those from prime vineyard sites, especially in places like the Loire Valley's Chinon and Bourgueil, can age beautifully, mellowing and developing complex tertiary aromas over time.
Major Growing Regions:
Bordeaux, France: In Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is the third most planted grape variety and is typically used as a blending component, especially in the wines of the Right Bank, like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
Loire Valley, France: Here, Cabernet Franc dominates, particularly in appellations like Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, where it's made into expressive, varietal red wines.
Italy: In the northeastern regions of Friuli and Veneto, it's known as "Bordo".
New World Regions: This includes California, Washington State, Canada (notably Niagara Peninsula and British Columbia), Argentina, and Chile. In these regions, winemakers often produce a fruitier, more New World style of Cabernet Franc.
Viticulture: Cabernet Franc typically buds and ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. It's somewhat adaptable but prefers cooler climates where it can express its aromatic profile best. In warmer climates, it may lose some of its characteristic aromatics and produce heavier, more alcoholic wines.
Blends: Besides its role in Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc is often blended with Merlot in the New World regions to create wines with a balance of fruit and structure.