Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are related in ancestry but inherit distinct qualities on their own. Cabernet Franc is primarily a blending grape like Merlot and grown in areas such as Bordeaux, Australia and Italy. The grape is considered to be one of the most important wine varietals in the Bordeaux region along with Sauvignon and Merlot. The grape of Cabernet Franc ripens early and the flavor of the wine is considered to be one of the most refined.

The thin skinned variety has lower acidity when compared to its cousin Sauvignon and the most distinct features of the wine produced from this grape are considered to be its aroma and the smoothness. In fact, most wine lovers hail this wine as one of the smoothest wines. The grape is known to withstand harsh winters but prone to damage due to frosts. Because of its early yielding quality, most growers consider it as an alternative for Cabernet Sauvignon when there is to be rains during the harvesting.

The Cabernet Franc is endowed with a number of flavors and aromas. These include fruity flavors like Raspberry, cherry and plum while processing can enhance flavors like vanilla. The aroma which this wine is renowned is usually plum & violet and generally considered to be somewhat spicy. However, the overall flavor of this variety is considered to be more delicate than the Sauvignon and even the Merlot because of the lesser tannins contained in this wine.

The Cabernet Franc is well suited for grilled beef and grilled vegetable dishes and the wine can be blended with wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage. Cabernet Franc is also a wine that can be well cellared.