Cabernet franc
Cabernet Franc most likely originates from the south western region of France.
Registration Information
In France, Cabernet Franc is officially listed in the “Catalogue of vine varieties” on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.
Cultivation and Vine Characteristics
This fairly vigorous variety should be trained with moderately long pruning, or short pruning in more favorable climatic zones. In terms of terroir, the best results are generally achieved on clay-limestone soils, though good results can also be obtained with sandy soils, provided there is no water stress. The bunches are medium-sized, and the berries are small.
Wine Characteristics
This variety is used to produce quality aromatic wines with moderate ageing potential. However, its ‘sugar,’ ‘acid,’ and ‘polyphenol’ (color intensity and tannic structure) potentials are moderate.
Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests
Cabernet Franc is moderately resistant to Botrytis and is moderately sensitive to Eutypa dieback and Esca. It is susceptible to vine leafhoppers.
Clonal selection in France
The thirty-one certified Cabernet Franc clones carry the numbers 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 326, 327, 332, 393, 394, 395, 396, 407, 408, 409, 542, 543, 544, 545, 622, 623, 678, 1155, 1156, 1158, 1166, 1167, 1203, 1204 and 1311. A conservatory of 100 clones was planted in 2001, in the wine-growing region of Anjou. Another conservatory of more than 100 clones was planted in the Bordeaux wine-growing region in 2003 and 2004 ; it is based on surveys conducted in Gironde and in the Pyrénées foothills.
Available Clones
214
Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and its suitability for producing wines for ageing.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low to medium
- Production Level: Low
- Cluster Weight: Low to medium
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: High
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Aromatic, fine and structured wines.
327
Slightly later phenological stages. Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and its suitability for producing wines for ageing if the yield is moderated.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low
- Production Level: Low to medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Vine Vigor: High
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: Medium to high
- Acidity: Medium to high
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Rich and structured wines.
623
Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.
Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Medium
- Production Level: Medium
- Cluster Weight: Medium
- Berry Size: Medium
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: Medium to high
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannic Structure: Medium
- Oenological Characteristics: Fruity, supple and well-balanced wines.
1156
Lower production level with less compact clusters. Clone appreciated for its suitability for producing wines for ageing.
Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low
- Production Level: Low
- Cluster Weight: Low
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: High
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated for their aromatic intensity and tannic structure.
1158
Lower production level with less compact clusters. Clone appreciated for its suitability for producing wines for ageing.
Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low
- Production Level: Low
- Cluster Weight: Low
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: High
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Wines appreciated for their aromatic intensity and tannic structure.
1166
Lower production level with less compact clusters. Clone appreciated for its suitability for producing wines for ageing.
Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low
- Production Level: Low
- Cluster Weight: Low
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: High
- Acidity: Low to medium
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Colourful and structured wines.
1167
Lower production level with less compact clusters. Clone appreciated for its suitability for producing wines for ageing.
Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVineClone Characteristics
- Fertility: Low
- Production Level: Low
- Cluster Weight: Low to medium
- Berry Size: Low
- Botrytis Sensitivity: Low
Wine Characteristics
- Sugar Potential: High
- Colour Potential: High
- Acidity: Medium to high
- Tannic Structure: Medium to high
- Oenological Characteristics: Colourful and structured wines.
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