Hello René Langdahl

I have seen that the mencia grape was supposed to be the same as or related to cabernet franc. Is that right?

Greetings FK

Dear FK 

The two grapes are NOT the same, nor are they related. It was once claimed that, but modern genetics has canceled that “mistake”. Personally, I can’t understand the confusion either. Wine from the two grapes very rarely resembles each other. Cabernet franc, for example, has a lot of methoxypyrazine (green pepper scent) in the grape skin and often smells of blackcurrant branches or gooseberries. Mencia can also have herbs, but they are typically much more bitter and a bit like vermouth. What is interesting, however, is that cabernet franc actually most likely originates from the Basque Country, so perhaps there is a relationship in the VERY deep past. 

Sincerely

René