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'''Cabernet Franc''' (/ˈkæbərneɪ ˈfrɑːŋk/) is a black-skinned [[wine grape]] variety of French origin, widely cultivated for both varietal wines and as a blending component in many of the world’s major [[wine regions]]. Known for its moderate tannin levels, aromatic complexity, and adaptability to diverse climates, it is considered one of the foundational grape varieties in [[Bordeaux wine]] production<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. The variety is genetically related to [[Cabernet Sauvignon]], [[Merlot]], and [[Carménère]], and is valued for contributing fragrance, freshness, and structural balance to blends<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>.

== History ==
Cabernet Franc is believed to have originated in the south-west of France, with records indicating its cultivation in the Basque region as early as the 17th century<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. Historical documentation suggests that the variety was established in the Libournais area of Bordeaux before spreading to the Loire Valley, where it became a key component in red wines from appellations such as Chinon and Saumur<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. Genetic studies have confirmed that Cabernet Franc is one of the parent varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, through a natural crossing with Sauvignon Blanc<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), "Cabernet Franc", vivc.de.</ref>.

== Characteristics ==
Cabernet Franc produces medium-bodied wines that are generally lower in tannin and colour intensity than Cabernet Sauvignon, but often display a more pronounced aromatic profile<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. Common flavour descriptors include red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, along with herbal notes, floral hints of violets, and distinctive capsicum or leafy aromas derived from methoxypyrazines<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', 5th ed., DK, 2011, ISBN 978-0756686840.</ref>. The grape’s relatively thin skins contribute to softer tannins and allow for earlier ripening, which makes it suitable for cooler viticultural climates<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>.

== Geography ==
Cabernet Franc is cultivated in numerous wine regions worldwide, with its origins generally associated with south-west France<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. In France, it is notably significant in Bordeaux, where it forms part of the traditional blend, and in the Loire Valley, where it is vinified as a varietal in appellations such as Chinon and Saumur<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>. Outside Europe, the grape has gained prominence in regions such as [[North America]], [[South America]], [[South Africa]], and parts of [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]], where it is often used both in blends and as a varietal wine<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Cabernet Franc”, vivc.de.</ref>.

== Production ==
Cabernet Franc is valued in viticulture for its adaptability to cooler climates and its ability to ripen earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, reducing the risk of incomplete maturation in marginal conditions<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>. The vine typically produces medium-sized bunches of small berries with relatively thin skins, contributing to a lighter tannic structure in the resulting wines<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', 5th ed., DK, 2011, ISBN 978-0756686840.</ref>. It performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils, including sand, gravel, and limestone, which can influence aromatic expression and acidity<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019, ISBN 978-1784724030.</ref>.

== Development ==
Cabernet Franc has played a significant role in the development of other major grape varieties through natural crossings. Most notably, it is one of the parent varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Sauvignon Blanc<ref>Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes'', HarperCollins, 2012, ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. Ampelographic and DNA profiling studies have also identified its relationship to Carménère and Merlot, indicating its historical importance in shaping classic Bordeaux varietals<ref>Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Cabernet Franc”, vivc.de.</ref>. Ongoing clonal selection and vineyard trials continue to focus on optimising disease resistance, yield stability, and flavour concentration in various growing regions<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.</ref>.

== See also ==
*[[Cabernet Sauvignon]]  
*[[Merlot]]  
*[[Bordeaux wine]]  
*[[Loire Valley]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Grape varieties]]  
[[Category:French wine]]  
[[Category:Wine grapes of Bordeaux]]