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Colombard has long been what is termed a "workhorse" grape - grapes that are used as blenders to bulk up other wines, to mellow out grapes which may otherwise have too much character and verve or to lend acidity to wines that lack it.

It is a high yield grape that produces light wines with abundant acidity and little other notable attributes apart from a pleasant floral aroma. It is for this very reason that the Colombard grape has traditionally been distille...

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Cabernet Franc is believed to be the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon but is in fact, rather like a watered down version of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a thinner skinned and earlier ripening grape with less acidity but more cold weather resistance than Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is one of the most planted vines in France, especially in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. 

It's main role is that of a blending grape, lending it's fruitiness and softness to the  many austere ...