Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is one of the great red grapes of France: a parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the star of the Loire Valley's Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny as well as a key blending partner on Bordeaux's Right Bank in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. It buds and ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, thrives in cooler climates, and gives a lighter, more aromatic, medium-bodied red built around bright red fruit, graphite and a distinctive leafy, bell-pepper note. With medium-high acidity and moderate, supple tannin, it ranges from juicy and gulpable to serious and ageworthy, and it has become a sommelier favourite the world over for its freshness, savoury edge and food-friendly poise.