Cabernet Franc Grape Variety Assignment Wine and Dine- 11/14/2011 Jordan Fong, Igor Podkolzin, Melinda Phommasas and Natalya Wheeler 1

The Grape! The Cabernet Franc grape can be traced back to the 17th century in the Bordeaux region !

History/Origins The origin of Cabernet Franc is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in France. Cabernet Franc was first recorded in the 17th century when its cuttings were transported from the Libournais region of southern France to the Loire Valley. Known as the parent grape of the cabernet sauvignon. France has the most Cabernet Franc vineyards compared to any other region in the world but they are also grown in Hungary, Italy, Romania and the Balkins.

Where is it grown? Cabernet Franc is mainly grown in the Bordeaux region. The Bordeaux region is located in the south west of France, close to the Atlantic coast, near the city of Bordeaux. Although it is named after the city, there are no vineyards located in Bordeaux; the vineyards start just on the boundaries. The Gironde Estuary and its two major rivers, the Dordogne and the Garonne, run through the centre of the city.

The Bordeaux wine region has a maritime climate; damp springtimes, hot and dry summers, mild winters and very rainy, humid falls. Cabernet Franc has trouble when it comes to rain. Too much rain can completely destroy a grape crop.

Grape production The Bordeaux landscape is mostly flat and the soil is quite impoverished, so not much else other than grapes can grow there. Bordeaux’s popularity has come from the region’s combination of climate and soil. Bordeaux is also so popular because wine has been made in this region for over 2,000 years.

The Grape It is also known as Arrouya, Bordo, Bouchy, Boucet, Breton, Cabernet, Cabernet Franco, Cabernet Frank, Fer, Grosse Vidure, Petit Fer, Petit Viodure, and Cabernet Gris, just to name a few. Cabernet Franc grapes are small in size with an exterior blue-black colour, with thin skin and lower acidity levels compared to cabernet sauvignon. Cabernet franc grapes are prone to genetic mutation compared to the cabernet sauvignon.

Flavor! In comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is lighter in body but has a spicier flavour (hints of pepper, tobacco, cassis and even hints of violets and evergreen).

Flavour cont. Reduced tannins and green flavours. The aroma has subtle hints of black fruit, plum and green bell pepper. flavourings to match. Mediterranean foods: they can stand up to the good fruit structure and moderate to high tannins of the Cabernet Franc. Poultry, Tomato based sauces, lasagna, couscous with meat, veggie pizza, French dishes with hearty sauce and Greek cuisine.

Flavour cont. Cabernet Franc also pairs well with grilled meats such as pepper steak, wild game, bbq pork and sausages. In some cases the wine is also a good match to more unique flavours such as meats with wine reductions, assoulet and roasted pork with fruit sauce.

The End