Cabernet Franc is a variety of grape used in wine making that is grown predominantly in France. The juice of the Cabernet Franc is usually blended with the juice of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to produce blended red wines. In addition to blended wines, Cabernet Franc is sold as a stand alone wine.
Vine Appearance
The vine of the Cabernet Franc grape is hardy with good winter resistance and vigorous growth. This variety of grape can be grown in just about any soil type, and the vine grows upright with medium leaves that are broad and often five-lobed. The upper surface of the vine is shiny and dark green with a lower surface that is slightly hairy with prominent veins. In cool weather the plants will grow more foliage and grapes will ripen less, which makes the management of foliage an important part of the plant's care.
Blooming Patterns
The grapes grow in bunches that are small to medium in a slight cone shape with two wings. The grapes are small, loose and blue-black in color. They are juicy, round but irregular and thin skinned.
Cabernet Franc can survive cool winters and is susceptible to frost damage in the spring. It is an early blooming grape variety, blooming 10 days before the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the parent grapes to the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Wine
The wine produced from Cabernet Franc is slightly acidic, aromatic and a deep purple color. Aromas identified with the wine include red bell pepper, raspberry, tobacco and violet. The region of growth and style of production determines the aromas that are present in the wine.
Cabernet Franc wine is ideally served at 65 to 70 degrees and is a good companion to cheeses, poultry dishes and pizza.
Tags: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, blended wines, Cabernet Sauvignon grape,