Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety that originates from France. It’s known for its versatility in blending, as well as its unique characteristics when produced as a single varietal wine. Typical flavors associated with Cabernet Franc include red plums, crushed herbs, blackberries, raspberries, bell peppers and cassis.
The wine it produces is commonly light to medium-bodied with lower tannins than its close relative, Cabernet Sauvignon. It also ripens earlier, offering a brighter acidity and often, a green herbal or vegetal taste. In many wine regions, Cabernet Franc is planted and harvested to add complexity to blended wines, or as insurance policy against a tricky growing season for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The wine is quite aromatic, with a rosy, violet-like perfume and crunchy red fruit at the palate. It can often have a green bell pepper note, which comes from a compound known as pyrazine that's present in the grape. This wine can be consumed young but also ages well, developing leather and tobacco notes over time.
