Cabernet Gernischt is a red wine grape variety used in China believed to be of European origin, and similar if not identical to Cabernet Franc.
In the late 19th century, the Phylloxera epidemic destroyed most of the European vineyards, most notably in France. It is believed that one of the varieties lost to the European vineyards was the Cabernet Gemischt grape (also occasionally spelt as 'Cabernet Gernischt'), an ancestor of today’s Cabernet Franc. A number of winemakers and Chinese wine industry figures believe that Cabernet Gernischt could be the same grape as Carmenère, being mistakenly called "mixed cabernet" when it arrived in China[1]. However, the grape variety was introduced into the Shandong region of China in 1892 by Zhangyu Winery (aka. Changyu Pioneer Wine Co.)[2] The name has been changed to Cabernet Gernischt (either by intent or by misspelling), but it still maintains the grape’s aromas and flavors.
The Cabernet Gernischt grape is now unique to China. With French guidance and techniques, Chinese vineyards are producing fine wines modelled on a European ideal with distinctively Chinese sensibilities; harmoniously balanced wines that pair gracefully with food. The natural benefits of the climate acts to improve the fruit’s quality and provide potential for extraordinary wines that are restrained in alcohol, refreshingly crisp and nuanced in flavour.