In France this variety is principally grown in the south west and is an important ingredient of the deep coloured reds of Madiran where it customarily blended with Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet-Sauvignon. Outside of France it has established a foothold in South America, particularly Uruguay, where it has succeeded in some longer-lived red wines.
Characteristics: Tannic and dark when young it invariably needs several years to soften.
Where is it found? Madiran, Côtes de St. Mont, Uruguay, Argentina.
Wines associated: South west France, South America