Cabernet Franc is a black skinned grape, widely grown in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions of France. Initially grown in order to cross with Sauvignon Blanc, and to produce the very popular Cabernet Sauvignon wines, Cabernet Franc actually fruits and ripens earlier than its counterpart, allowing it to flourish in cooler climates.

Recently found to be a parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Franc is a grape that offers the winemaker a vegetal depth of taste, with a light to medium bodied flavour. Despite having rather a thin skin, this grape is particularly hardy and can withstand most weather types.