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One of the great red grapes of the world. Many would rank it in the top three red grape varieties of the world. Cabernet Sauvignon as a grape variety is planted in most wine producing countries. In the Southern Hemisphere it is typically vinified predominantly
One of the great red grapes of the world. Many would rank it in the top three red grape varieties of the world. Cabernet Sauvignon as a grape variety is planted in most wine producing countries. In the Southern Hemisphere it is typically vinified predominantly on its own and there are some many exceptional examples from Southern Australia (Coonawarra) and Western Australia (Margaret River), South America Chile (Apalta), North America (Napa Valley). In the Northern Hemisphere the wines of Bordeaux (Médoc) are particularly thrilling the five first growths of Château Latour (Pauillac), Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac), Château Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac), Château Margaux (Margaux), Château Haut Brion (Pessac Leognan), deliver exceptional glimpses of the brilliance of this grape variety.
Although the origins of this grape are traced to Bordeaux there are some really exceptional categories to be explored in the Super Tuscan category in particular Podere Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia Superiore, Tenuta San Guido Sassicia. Als the famous Torres Black Label, Mas la Plana from Penedes in Spain is always worth exploring.
These wines will always be blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc making up the balance. The only limiting factor are their dizzying prices that these wines can attract and often we steer people to what are deemed the 2nd or 3rd wines of the estate and are usually significantly less expensive. We are particularly proud to work with the third wine of perhaps the most famous of these the Pauillac of Latour. We typically carry two or three different vintages of them and highly recommend them.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape classically has firm tannins and is best suited to matching with food. Its origin has been traced to Bordeaux and its parentage has been identified as a cross between the Cabernet Franc grape and the Sauvignon Blanc (this was only established in 1997). The cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc is estimated to have occurred mid-18th century so it is a relatively new grape variety.
Identification of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety
Colour
Deeply coloured veering towards black purple due to small skin size
Nose
The classic flavour profiles for this varietal from Bordeaux will be cassis, cedar & cigar box. From warmer climates it will have riper black fruit notes veering towards jam.
Palate
Typically mouth-filling with firm tannins and medium to high acidity and layers of black fruit flavours.
Oak affinity
Most Cabernet Sauvignons will have some oak treatment as the variety has a good affinity with oak.
Ageing Ability
The Cabernet Sauvignon from great terroir made by a great winemaker can last for 50 years +.
