Cabernet Franc

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      If Merlot is Bordeaux’s body, Cabernet Franc adds freshness and finesse. A highly perfumed grape with aromas of raspberry, cassis and tobacco, it has good acidity, fine tannins and light to medium body. Cabernet Franc makes up around half the blend at celebrated right-bank châteaux Lafleur and Cheval Blanc, but comes into its own as a single varietal cuvée in the Loire, where its ultimate expression is Clos Rougeard in Saumur-Champigny. However, there are many other great producers in neighbouring Chinon (Philippe Alliet) and Bourgueil (Bel Air) making more affordable Cabernet Franc to be enjoyed young, or cellared for years.