Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (Sauvignon Blanc being the other parent). It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux to make claret. Château Cheval Blanc is the one wine in Bordeaux which uses up to 2/3rds of Cabernet Franc in its blend. It's a dark blue colour and has overtones of spice and pepper. Cabernet Franc has the aroma of strawberries, plums, raspberries and violets. It is a lighter style of grape than it's heavier Cabernet Sauvignon parent and a wine made from it is a bright, pale red.

There are records of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux going back to the end of the 18th century but it could have originated in Brittany as the grape is called Breton in the Loire. This would be consistent with its preference for cooler temperatures. The grapes are thin skinned and early ripening with lower acidity than the Cabernet Sauvignon.

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