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Cabernet Franc similar to Merlot was noticed in Libournais, France at the end of the 18th century. It is important to note that although both varieties were not considered note worthy to differentiate until this time, in both Pomerol and St-Emilion wine was made even in Roman times. Modern history dates this region to 1289 when St-Emilion's eight communes were specified by the English.
The present day strong hold for Cabernet Franc remains in St-Emilion south of its original rediscovery in Pomerol. It can also be found throughout the other major wine regions of France. America and Italy shared the confusion between Merlot and Cabernet Franc, both planting each variety in belief it was the other.
In St-Emilion, Bordeaux's second largest red wine region, Cabernet Franc is usually blended most often with Merlot. It also comprises a significant portion of the wines from the whole region of Bordeaux. In the 1960's, popularity was such that plantings exceeded that of its brother Cabernet Sauvignon. Today Cabernet Franc's largest most important role is that of a blending grape, to add intrigue, interest and compliment Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot based wines.
Typically Cabernet Franc can produce crowd pleasing wines, fleshy early maturing with generous mouthfeel and fruit, less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon. Currently plantings exist in most wine regions of the world, so it can be assumed that with this variety one will find varied presentations to the above description.