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Cabernet Sauvignon
King of Red
Many refer to Cabernet Sauvignon as the king of red grapes. Perhaps that title is due to its ability to grow worldwide in a number of climates, or to the fact that it produces wine with such character yet such diversity. Either way, this grape is responsible, as a whole or a partner, for some of the greatest wines in the world. In BordeauxCabernet Sauvignon is the principle grape of the Medoc. It plays a supporting role in the blends of the right bank in regions such as St-Emillionand Pomerol. Most of the classic and cult wines of Napa Valleyare made with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Notable Facts
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a small berry with a thick skin, giving it a high solid to juice ratio and creating a wine high in color, tannin and extract. Some typical Cabernet Sauvignon descriptors are cassis, cedar and currant. Because the grape adapts to so many different soils and climates and can flourish with different types of winemaking, its characteristics are different depending on its origin. In Bordeaux you'll find more of the earthy, tannic side of Cabernet. It's almost always blended in Bordeaux, using other grapes to soften the tannins and add complexity. In warmer regions like California
and Australia,
you'll frequently get more ripe fruit flavors upfront. Grapes are picked when higher in fruit and lower in acid, often giving a more approachable wine. Cabernet Sauvignon grows almost everywhere, many regions using it to blend with
indigenous varieties. As a blending grape it adds structure and tannins.
Summing it up
Successful Sites:
Just about everywhere, particularly Bordeaux and California
Common Descriptors:
black currant, cassis, herbs, cedar, tobacco, earth
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