Cabernet Franc
Definition - What does Cabernet Franc mean?
Cabernet Franc is used to make red wine and red wine blends, most notably in Bordeaux wines, as it contributes herbal hints of spice, berry and tobacco. Cabernet Franc is mainly grown in France and prefers cool, inland climates and it is also grown in New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Australia, American coastal regions (Washington, Long Island, California) and Canada. The Cabernet Franc varietal has a hearty vine with dark-skinned grapes and have low acidity that produce a medium to light-bodied wine.
WineFrog explains Cabernet Franc
Most commonly compared to its relative Cabernet Sauvignon, it is also a parent to Merlot and Malbec but is usually used as a tributary wine and blended with other reds. The famous Cabernet Franc wines are Chinon, Bourgueil and its notable blends include Meritage or Bordeaux. This grape has many variations depending on vineyard practices, which can produce a lighter berry-like wine or a darker, peppery or licorice-tasting variety.
Cabernet Franc wines and wine blends are easily enjoyed with a variety of food palates, with rabbit, ham or lamb tending to be the most favorable. It was found that Cabernet Franc grapes contain a high level of resveratrol, a known anti-carcinogen and cardiovascular compound found to be one of wines many health benefits.
