Cabernet Franc is well known for being a blending grape in Bordeaux, but it is so much more than that. It is not only one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, but also a parent of Merlot and Carménère. Cabernet Franc is also one of the top 20 most-planted grapes in the world. It is believed that Cabernet Franc originated in the Basque region in France, where Northern Spain meets with Southwestern France, near the cost of the Bay of Biscay.
Argentina is responsible for 45 percent of the production of wine in South America, and is the sixth-top wine producing country in the world. As of 2018, the country has over 489,000 acres of vineyards.
The year 2020 has been challenging over these past months for everyone, including wineries all across the state of Virginia, as they have had to shutter their doors and rely on online and phone orders for curbside pickup, delivery or shipping.
The first vines brought to Chile came via Spanish Conquistadors as early as the 1500s. Immigrants from Europe would bring more varieties to Chile, especially from Bordeaux in the 1800s. As of 2020, 70 percent of Chilean wine production is exported.
With Father’s Day approaching, we pay tribute to the grape father of fathers, Cabernet Franc. Yes, Cabernet Franc! Did you know that Cabernet Franc is the father of Cabernet Sauvignon?