There is a saying connected with family secrets, something about having a brother in jail - everybody still loves him but nobody talks about him.

Inevitably, there is an equivalent in the wine world, but in this case it's not so much a brother, more an uncle.

The story begins a long time ago, so let's settle down, and I'll begin.

Once upon a time, in a strange land faraway, which for now we'll call France, there lived quite happily a grape called Franc. Franc was well respected, lots of people liked him, and everything in the vineyard was rosy.

However, as men reach a certain age, their minds start wandering, and Franc started thinking about his long-term future. Who would take over from him if anything happened to him? As it happened, in a nearby field lived a sprightly, lively young lass whom we shall call Blanche. And what a playful, though sometimes moody young lass she was!

Franc caught sight of Blanche one day, and was immediately smitten. He knew that his life wouldn't be complete until he had made her his. But Blanche was coy and enjoying life too much to be tied down. Inevitably, one fateful day, Franc caught up with Blanche, and he did the evil deed - he graped her!

Of course, Franc was caught and locked away, but Blanche recovered well, and soon discovered that the result of her unfortunate union with Franc, was a bouncing baby boy. Initially they called him Pip, but as fate would have it, Pip found his way into a monastery, where the learned monks traced his parents, Franc and Blanche.

Remember that we are talking about the Dark Ages here, when not many folk could read or write. Many people had more than 1 name, but chose the easiest name to save time when signing their credit card slips etc.

Franc and Blanche's first names were Cabernet and Sauvignon respectively, and the Wise Monks decided that this bastard son should bear these names as a mark of respect, for they recognised that Franc's intentions were well-meaning, if not his actions.

And so it came to pass that Cabernet Sauvignon grew up to be a bold, strong character, some would even say noble! His offspring spread far and wide, and can today be found in many guises in both ye Olde Worlde and the hip, buzzing, New World. Blanche also found fame and fortune, once she had settled down a bit, but poor Franc has long languished, locked away in some far-flung corner of the cellar. He is allowed out from time to time, but almost always in the company of others, very rarely on his own.

However, in this part of the world, we are enlightened and forgiving. We've had TRCs. Everybody has a chance to be pardoned for past sins. All you need is a champion, someone to fight your cause, make your voice heard. And Franc has a champion. There is a sturdy knight called (Sir) Bruwer Raats, and he rides a strong white stallion called Chenin! Sometimes Chenin is protected by a shelter of oak, but mostly, Chenin goes bareback.

(Sir) Bruwer has come to the rescue of Franc, has released him, and is praising his name wherever he goes. Maid Jancis of England is also championing Franc's cause.

So why this re-birth, this second chance for Franc? Franc has mellowed from his youth, he has actually become a bit of a softy, but a silky, velvety softy. He envelopes you like your favourite dressing gown; he is warm and comfortable, but still with enough backbone to put up a fight to a marauding buck!

Cabernet Franc is back, and back with a bang!

If you are looking for someone new to hang out with, if you're fed up with the same old crowd, think about Franc - maybe you will also become a convert, and start to champion the cause along with (Sir) Bruwer Raats, and his trusty steed Chenin!

Raats Family Wines produce an unwooded Chenin Blanc called Original; the Raats Chenin Blanc, which is the wooded version, and the Raats Cabernet Franc. The Raats Chenin Blanc has equalled the highest score for a South African wine in Wine Enthusiast, 93/100, and has scored 91/100 in US Wine Spectator. The Original Chenin Blanc was 1 of Jancis Robinson's Wines of the Week in December in the UK, and she describes the Cabernet Franc as "voluptuous and spicy - not for the faint-hearted"

Manuka @ Southeys in Somerset West is the sole retail distributor of Raats Family Wines in the Western Province.

For more information contact:
Stephen Digby
southeys@manuka.co.za
021 851 6060