This is considered one of Virginia’s best red wines and, not surprisingly, it is the most planted varietal in the state.

Wine snobs disparage Cabernet Franc as a “mere” blending grape. And that’s true — in France. There, it’s used to add texture and a raspberry and blackcurrant aroma to red Bordeaux. Only in a few districts of the Loire Valley is it featured as its own wine.

Here, however, Cab Franc really shines. It produces a light-to-medium bodied red wine that evokes raspberries and pencil shavings. A few Virginia producers are creating especially soft and juicy styles that are reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Look to Barboursville, Early Mountain, and Glen Manor for these.

Trivia:

• In 1997, DNA analysis revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Merlot, it turns out, is a cross between Cabernet Franc and an obscure varietal called Raisin de La Madeleine that’s used as a decorative vine in France.

• The most famous French wine to showcase Cab Franc is in Bordeaux: Chateau Cheval Blanc. It’s a blend, but Cab Franc is frequently the dominant varietal. Prices per bottle start at around $800 on wine.com.