 Cabernet Sauvignon is certainly the most famous red grape variety in
France and possibly in the world. In fact, it is the basis for many
Bordeaux, probably the most sought after red wines of France.
This grape variety originated in the Médoc district of Bordeaux,
and it has very soon spread to every other major growing region of the
world. According to DNA testing at U.C. Davis, this grape should
descend from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon has been introduced in the United States
somewhere between 1870 and 1880. Since 1960 has become the most
successful varietal red wine produced on this soil. Cabernet Sauvignon
prefers to grow on poor and well drained soils.
This grape, because of its late-ripening qualities, gives its best if the growing
season is very long, if the climate is moderately warm, and like almost
all other red grape varieties, if it is cultivated in semi-arid
regions.
If the conditions are not perfect (too little sun exposure, climates
too cool or too warm, rich soils and premature harvesting) the wine can
loose some of its fruity aromas and at the same time can develop more
herbaceous and vegetative characters. Cabernet Sauvignon, because of
its shape, it is quite resistant to heavy rain, spoileage and various
grape diseases. The berries are small and thick skinned, deeply
coloured and with a firm pulp.
CAB, this is how it is often called, it is generally a full-bodied
wine, deep in color and with a very good ageing potential. The wine
gives its best within a 5-10 years ageing period. In a good vintage,
the best Bordeaux can age for quite a few decades. Wine makers often age the wine in very small barrels (225 liters Barriques) for
up to 18 months in order to give to this wine great complexity and
refinement. Sometimes the wine is aged in a combination of barrels of various
dimensions and made with different tupes of wood. Depending on the techniques
used, Cabernet Sauvignon can be more or less tannic but always pleasant
to the taste. An elegant barrle-aged Cabernet Sauvignon has often a typical black
currant aroma and a complex bouquet of cedar, tobacco, coffee, musk and
leather.
Varying in intensity depending on climatic conditions, viticultural
practices, and vinification techniques, CAB often showcases flowery aromas
(rose and violet), fruity aromas (dark cherry, blackberries,
raspberries ) and vegetal aromas (green pepper, mushrooms,
asparagus).
Cabernet Sauvignon can be called with other names in other regions of the world such as Sauvignon Rouge, Petit Cabernet and Vidure.
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