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5 Things You Didn’t Know About Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon Sign On Post at the End of a Vineyard Row of Grapes.

Rich, bold and full of blackberry, black currant, mint, leather and cigar box flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon has skyrocketed in popularity among consumers and our wine club members.  Here are a few things you may not know:

  1. It has an interesting family. It is originally from France and its parents are Sauvignon Blanc (really) and Cabernet Franc.  Its half-sibling is Merlot–they both have Cab Franc as a “father” but different “mothers.”  In blind tastings, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish Cabernet Sauvignon from Merlot, even for pros.
  2. It is really, really popular. It is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world, possibly the most planted. The number of plantings world-wide DOUBLED between 1990 and 2010. And it is the most planted vine in the fastest growing wine producing country: China.  However, in its home, Bordeaux, Merlot is the more popular planting. Part of the reason for Cabernet’s popularity in the vineyards is that it’s hardy and fairly easy to grow.
  3. The most prized red blends in the world include Cabernet. Bordeaux-style blends (also known as Claret in Britain) can include any combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone and structure for these highly sought after wines.
  4. It ages gracefully. It is one of the most tannic of all the major reds and its phenolics (chemical compounds) allow it to age well.  Part of the reason it is so tannic is that it has thick skin and the berries are small.  Smaller berries mean more pips and less pulp per berry.  Tip: Young, highly tannic Cabs pair beautifully with well-marbled steaks, but aged Cabs (8 to 12 years) have mellower tannins and can pair with a much broader range of foods (including chicken). Learn why aged Cabernet is hard to find.
  5. It can take the heat. It is late-ripening, and needs a warmer climate to fully mature.  In cooler regions, it often exhibits green bell pepper and eucalyptus flavors, which are not considered “wine faults” and are preferred by some wine lovers.

“Cabernet can be like the awkward kid who grows up to be a Nobel laureate, and sexy to boot.”–Karen MacNeil, The Wine Bible.

Treat yourself to the ultimate reward in fine viticulture: Napa Cabernets from top producers, finely aged in temperature-controlled conditions for 8-12 years and ready to enjoy.  Get a curated wine club selection delivered to your door with our Aged Cabernet Series.

10 Responses

  1. Matthew Hopkins says:

    Thanks for the educational materials. I always happy w increase my knowledge about wine that I so love.

  2. Timothy Hahn says:

    I love Cabernets but didn’t know much about them; thanks!

    • Karen D says:

      Thank you, Timothy! We love Cabernets too. And we think it adds to the enjoyment of wine to know a little bit more about it. Cheers to you!

  3. Harry Vordermeier says:

    Where may I procure a “ah so” cork screw? I hope I spelled that correctly?

  4. virginia feliciano says:

    This was very informative. I didn’t know that merlot was te half sibling lol! Cabernet Sauvignon is my favorite and I have a hard time choosing anything else, but I switch it up in order to experience all of the different wines.

  5. Jerry Black says:

    Thanks for the information!
    Please keep me on your list!

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