Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc spent most of its history as a supporting player in Bordeaux blends, adding aromatic lift and a distinctive leafy, capsicum note alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It has since found real success as a variety in its own right, particularly in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay, where the Gimblett Gravels give it enough warmth to ripen fully while keeping its trademark freshness intact. Styles here range from light, juicy, easy-drinking reds through to more structured examples built for a few years in bottle. For the region it's best known in, Hawke's Bay Wine is worth a look, and Merlot covers its usual blending partner.