Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc (also known as Aceria, Acheria, Arrouya, Bordo, Bouchet, Bouchy (Gascony), Breton, Burdeas Tinto, Cabernet, Cabernet Aunis, Cabernet Franco, Capbreton Rouge, Carmenet (Médoc), Fer Servandou, Gamput, Grosse Vidure, Hartling, Kaberne Fran, Messanges Rouge, Morenoa, Noir Dur, Petit Fer, Petit Viodure, Petite Vidure, Petite Vignedure, Plant Breton, Plant Des Sables, Trouchet Noir, Véron, Véron Bouchy, Véronais, and Cabernet Gris) is one of the major black grape varieties planted worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but it can also be vinified alone. Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon making a pale red wine. The vine is vigorous and upright, with dark green five-lobed leaves, though generally this variety is high yield sensitive. The grapes are quite small and blue-black in colour with fairly thin skins.