Cabernet Franc. Varieties of red wines.

The Cabernet franc variety is a variety of French origin perfectly adapted to the climate and soil of the Spanish vineyard conditions. It is considered the father of Cabernet Sauvignon .

The grape is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. It is mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bordeaux wine. Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon.

DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet Franc is one of the progenitors of C abernet Sauvignon.

2- ✅ Origin of Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is native to the south west of France.

Bordeaux origin  and base of many Bourdeaux wines.

3- Synonyms:

Cabernet franc is also known as:

1. Breton,
2. Breton,
3. Basilisca,
4. Bouchy,
5. Veron,
6. Veronais,
7. Arenera,
8. Edge,
9. Bouchet,
10. Bouchy,
11. Capbreton,
12. Breton Plant.

4- Characteristics of the grapes

Bunches:

In  size  medium, medium compactness with uniform berries and arising either its pedicels maturation but difficult detachment before this maturation.

With short peduncle and usually not lignified at its base.

Cylindrical in  shape  and occasionally winged.

Berries:

Small , circular in section, with bluish-black epidermis, with a lot of bloom and a very evident stylar scar

Of   thick skin .

With   unpigmented pulp , soft although it can be slightly consistent and very juicy, with a characteristic herbaceous flavor.

Strains:

–  Vigorous , with little branching.

– With an   upright bearing .

–  Early  or mid-season flare and mid-season maturation.

–  Good performance .

5- Agronomically, the variety:

– It is a variety of quite  vigor.

– Cabernet Franc is very sensitive to excoriation and the wood fungus complex.

– Sensitive to  mildew and powdery mildew.

– Sensible al black-rot.

– It is very resistant to  iron chlorosis.

– Sensitive to cluster moths, leafhoppers and spider mites.

– It behaves well before eutypiiosis.

– It is not very sensitive to  botrytis.

– It usually  tolerates the cold  in spring as it normally has the mid-season overflow.

– It is not very sensitive to the  wind  if it is pruned properly. Trellis riding is recommended.

– It adapts well to  all types of soils , it likes clay-calcareous soils. Very good results can also be obtained in sandy soils, as long as it is not hydric stressed.

– It requires  good fertilization , being sensitive to magnesium deficiency, but it is not sensitive to drying of the stalk.

– Long pruning  or Guyot pruning is recommended  , although in warm areas it tolerates cord pruning well.

6- Enologically, cabernet franc wines:

– It gives   highly colored musts , with a high sugar content. Very fragrant and with a scent reminiscent of raspberry.

– Its  wines  are very colored, pleasant and with characteristic aromas of raspberry and violet. Very delicate bouquet.

– With slightly lower levels of acidity and polyphenols than Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Little astringent.

– Very light, aromatic and pleasant youth base.

–  Ages very well  and well admits barrel aging.