Grapevine Cabernet Franc - Red Wine Grape, Mid-to-Late Ripening

Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety. Country of origin: France.  Distribution: France, Eastern Europe, USA (California), Italy (7000 ha), Switzerland (52 da), Australia, South Africa (1020 da), New Zealand and Chile (1142 da).   A mid- to late-ripening variety. The vines are distinguished by medium growth. In resistance to pests and diseases it surpasses the Cabernet Sauvignon variety. Resistant to rot. The bunch is medium, cylindrical or conical, moderately dense, sometimes loose. The berries are medium, round, blue-black, with an abundant waxy bloom. The skin is firm, thick. The flesh is juicy.   It is used to make table, fortified and dessert wines and juices. The varietal wines are pale red in colour, with aromas of raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrant and blueberries, and when the wines have been aged longer, spices and musk can be sensed. It is also used to make blended wines. In the Bordeaux region (France) Cabernet Franc is usually blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot without being the dominant variety. In the Loire Valley (France) rosés with the aroma and taste of strawberry and banana are made from this variety. The most famous wines in the world with a high percentage of Cabernet Franc are those of "Château Cheval Blanc" from the Bordeaux region (France). Their wines are a blend of 2/3 Cabernet Franc and 1/3 Merlot.