Cabernet Franc variety is permanently caught in the shadow of its relative Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is probably crossed without human intervention between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc .
Due to their genetic proximity and similar spread range, the description of Cabernet Franc always falls in comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon :
- Germinates one to two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon and is often vulnerable to frost in May and April , which is no surprise for the unpredictable climate of Bordeaux
- Cabernet Franc has issues with fertilization of grapes if it's cold and wet during flowering
- Cabernet Franc is relatively light for growing, it is a reliable variety and ripens one to two weeks earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc is not particularly resistant to gray mold and mildew
Generally Cabernet Franc can be produced in colder areas than Cabernet Sauvignon and ripens earlier. Cabernet Franc is a branched variety, growing up with medium green, relatively coarse three to five lobed leaves with underside covered hairs. Clusters range from small to large, more or less cylindrical, not compact with small rounded berries. Medium ripening variety. Vines are characterized by average growth. Resistance to pests and diseases superiors Cabernet Sauvignon. Resistant to decay.
The cluster is medium, cylindrical or conical, with medium and sometimes loose density. Grapes are medium-sized, round, black and blue, with abundant bloom. The skin is thick, the meat is juicy.
