Similar to and a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape among the five major grapes of Bordeaux. Because of its thinner skin, Cabernet Franc is a cooler climate grape, yielding a wine that is softer with fewer tannins than its more populous offspring. Cabernet Franc exhibits a fruity flavor with hints of violet, herbaceousness and a peppery nose. Depending on region and style of wine, other aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, and cassis.
Cabernet Franc has been used most often as a blending wine as in the French Chinon region and in Meritage blends of California. It is also bottled as a single varietal producing a wine with light, delicate fruity flavors.
Popular Regions: New York’s Finger Lakes, Ontario’s Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, Lake Erie north shore and Pelee Island, Michigan’s west coast, and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Hungary
Other Names: Bordo, Bouchet, Breton, Carment, Gros Bouchet, Grosse-Vidure, Trouchet Noir
Wines