It is a variety that has been obtained in 1939 in the USA (California) by Elmer Snyder and Frank Harmon. It was not until 1946 that it was introduced in France. After long thought that this variety was related to a mutation of Ahmeur bou a(h)meur (North African grape variety), recent genetic analyzes indicate that the Cardinal would rather come from the crossing between Reine de vignes and Alphonse Lavallée.

Cardinal is consumed as table grapes. With the Prima, it is one of the first black varieties entering the markets. It should be noted that its good storability and transportation.