It may come as a surprise that one of the world’s most revered black grapes originated via a chance crossing of another black grape – Cabernet Franc – and the white grape – Sauvignon Blanc. This is believed to have occurred in South-West France some time during the 17^th century. Whilst miles apart in colour, you can though find some aromatic and flavour compounds which link these two together – most notably the herbaceous and chopped green bell pepper bouquet and taste – particularly in cooler climate examples. And Cabernet Franc come across more like a restrained, unplugged, or “acoustic” version, of the mighty and tannic structured son Cabernet Sauvignon.