And even though the Cabernet Franc grape variety is predominant in the region (particularly in the neighboring Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil appellation), it is truly original to Bourgueil. Indeed, traces of Cabernet Franc would date back more than a thousand years in the region.
It would be just before the year 1000 that monks from the nearby abbey planted this grape variety in their vineyard rows! As for the sweet name ‘Breton’, it would come from the abbot of the same name who introduced the grape variety between the towns of Bourgueil and Richelieu, more than three hundred years ago!
Finally, you should know that regulations allow up to 10% Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety in association with Cabernet Franc for Bourgueil wines.
