Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular technical grape variety used solely for wine-making, known for its small size and thick skin that allows for exceptional results with proper aging. The wine has a rich and vibrant flavor that develops even more over time.
Origin
Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively new grape variety resulting from a combination of two other species, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, and was developed in the 17th century. It is a stable species that can grow in harsh conditions, which is why it was called the "harsh vine." Cabernet Sauvignon gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a result of a phylloxera epidemic that destroyed vineyards, and when the vineyards were restored, more resistant and stable grape varieties were preferred.
Characteristics
Grapes grown in cool Atlantic climates like Bordeaux acquire herbaceous flavors and aromas, including hard tannins, bell peppers, roughness, and grassiness, which add character and elegance to the wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a late ripening grape that results in a persistent red color, clear structure, and pronounced acidity. Its richness and strength in flavor make it a memorable wine.
Regions
Cabernet Sauvignon is typically grown in warm, gravelly soils that accumulate solar heat during the day and transmit it to the grapes at night for proper ripening. This grape variety is frost-resistant, making it possible to grow even in the harshest conditions. Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in France, Chile, the U.S.A., Australia, and Spain, with distilleries in Eastern Europe also producing their own varieties.
Wine Selection
French wine is the most popular option for Cabernet Sauvignon, but other regions like the U.S.A., Australia, South Africa, Italy, and South America also produce high-quality and flavorful wines. Consumers should consider buying drinks from colder regions to achieve classic aromas and flavors.
Dangers
The steady growth of Cabernet Sauvignon production is threatened by climate change, with hotter regions struggling to achieve the same results as cooler European vineyards. Full-bodied and heavy wines discourage average consumers, who are looking for lighter and fruitier table wines.
