Cabernet Franc
This variety belonging to the Carmenet family is also known as “Bouchet” in the Bordeaux region and “Breton” in the Loire Valley. It produces rosé and red wines with an intense colour and aromas of black fruits and spices. Its wines can also show herbaceous notes, especially if the harvest is not sufficiently ripe. It is used in Bordeaux in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in varying proportions, adding complexity and perfume to the wines. More abundant in Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, and Fronsac than in the Médoc or in Graves, it is also grown in the Southwest and the Loire Valley. Outside France, Italy is its second largest producer (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Bolgheri), and it is also planted in Chile and Argentina. Wines made from Cabernet Franc can be highly sought-after, for example, Château Cheval Blanc, which has a high proportion of Cabernet Franc (an exception for Saint-Emilion), Clos Rougeard from Saumur-Champigny, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia – Frescobaldi from Bolgheri and Almaviva produced in Chile.
