Cabernet Franc from Italy can be seriously fabulous, maybe because the warmth and consequently riper fruit fills in the hollow gaps left behind when it is made in cooler climates like Bordeaux or the Loire. In fact, one of our very favourite wines is ‘Paleo’ from Le Macchiole, a pure Cabernet Franc from Tuscany, but it’s become too expensive for us to buy these days. We’re not claiming that this example from Friuli is on a par with our beloved ‘Paleo’, but there are similarities in its leafy, thorny, hedgerow fruit, its graphite inflections and its cool cassis and herbaceous freshness. Try this instead of your regular Saint Emilion, it might surprise you and save you a few bob at the same time. 13% alc. Drink now-2030.