Origins and Global Presence of Cabernet Franc and Merlot
Cabernet Franc: The Ancestral Red
Cabernet Franc has deep roots in France, with records of its cultivation dating back to the 1600s. It is especially valued for its role as a parent grape to both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the Loire Valley, Cabernet Franc shines as a single-varietal wine, celebrated for its freshness and aromatic lift. In Bordeaux, it is a key blending grape, adding perfume and elegance to the region’s reds. Beyond France, Cabernet Franc finds a home in Italy’s Friuli and Tuscany, as well as in California and Washington State, where it produces richer, fruit-driven wines. Its early ripening and adaptability also make it successful in Canada’s cool-climate Niagara Peninsula and in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. With its ability to thrive in both cool and warm climates, Cabernet Franc produces wines that reflect the unique character of each region.
Merlot: The Versatile Classic
Merlot began its story in Bordeaux, France, where it has been grown for centuries. Named after the blackbird, either for its dark hue or the birds’ fondness for its berries, Merlot quickly became a favorite for its plush texture and generous fruit. Today, it is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and ranks among the most popular varieties worldwide. Merlot’s appeal lies in its versatility; it is grown across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and beyond. In California and Washington State, Merlot produces soft, approachable reds, while in Italy’s Tuscany and Friuli it takes on a more structured style. The grape’s adaptability means it can flourish in a wide range of climates, from Chile’s Central Valley to New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, making it a truly global varietal.