Cabernet Franc

On old plates as

Achéria, Trouchet

Cabernet Franc is a black-skinned wine grape of the species Vitis vinifera that originated in France, most likely the southwest. Genetic studies have shown that it is a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, having crossed with Sauvignon Blanc; it is also a parent of Merlot and Carmenere. In France it has long gone by names such as Bouchet, Bouchy and Breton.

France remains the heartland, with roughly two-thirds of world plantings. It is widely planted in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, and is also grown in Italy, Chile, Argentina, Hungary, the United States, Canada, South Africa and beyond. It is vinified both on its own and as a blending grape.

Wines tend toward a medium body with medium to high acidity and moderate tannins. Typical flavours include red berries, bell pepper, herbs, tobacco and violets. It is the signature red of Chinon and Bourgueil in the Loire, while in Bordeaux it lends perfume and softness to blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.