International Cabernet Sauvignon Day

“If we talk about wine mythology, cabernet would be one of the key characters on Mount Olympus. Cabernet is intimately tied with Bordeaux, whose wines are associated with elegance and decent life in the Anglo-Saxon world.” 

- Sebastian Payne, wine master

Cabernet Sauvignon: the king of the world winemaking

Bidure, Bordeaux, Lafite, and Petit Cabernet are all names for Cabernet Sauvignon. It is rightfully considered as the King of World Winemaking, as it is the most widely grown and cultivated grape in terms of both area and number of countries. Continue reading this article to get to know its Majesty Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon is currently one of the most widely used technical grape varieties. Its berries are used for the production of red wines that are full-bodied, rich with long storage potential. Bordeaux (France), Coonawarra (Australia), Napa Valley (California), and many more regions have been producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon wines for years. Today, this variety occupies a leading place in the number of planted vineyards in the world – the figure reaches almost 340 thousand hectares.

The history of Cabernet Sauvignon

The variety became especially popular in the late 19th-early 20th centuries after an epidemic of aphids (phylloxera) affecting the roots of the vine. Winegrowers began to select more unpretentious and frost-resistant varieties to graft the European vine. In the Medoc region of Bordeaux province, this grape was Cabernet Sauvignon. The thick skin of the grapes is less susceptible to fungus, the buds bloom late, which helps the crop to successfully survive spring frosts, and the wood of the vine is quite dense, which also saves from rare winter frosts. The crop is harvested at the end of October. At the same time, all Cabernet Sauvignon can not ripen in cold climatic conditions and requires heat. Therefore, in Bordeaux, where the Atlantic climate is cool, assemblages are used to balance the herbaceous notes and rough tannins of unripe berries. Best of all, Cabernet Sauvignon manifests itself in a temperate and warm climate, in fairly sunny areas, and on stony soil.

Veni, Vidi, Vici

Another important mark on the way to the success of Cabernet Sauvignon was the blind tasting in Paris in 1976, an event known as the “Court of Paris”. In the tasting, it was compared Chardonnay from California with white Burgundy wines and California Cabernet Sauvignon with red Bordeaux wines. The jury, mainly consisting of the best French tasters, gave their preference in both cases to wines from California. After that, Cabernet Sauvignon strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading wines.

In the 1980s, the phylloxera epidemic happened in California and winegrowers had to replant most of their vines. The choice fell again on Cabernet Sauvignon. American wines made from this grape variety are currently among the most expensive in the world.

Cabernet Sauvignon is now produced in numerous wine-growing areas, the most renowned of which is, of course, Bordeaux. The vines are also grown in

• Italy;
• USA;
• Chile;
• Argentina;
• South Africa;
• Australia.

Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes

The tasting characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon may differ depending not only on the region of origin but even on the particular vineyard in which vineyards are planted. But all Cabernet Sauvignon wines are united by shades of chocolate, cherries, and spices. Aged wines often acquire “fried” notes obtained during aging in oak barrels. Tannins are well felt in the taste, and nuances of green pepper, black currant, dark fruits, tobacco, and a slight hint of vanilla can also appear.

Cabernet Sauvignon wines present a rich dark color and stand out for their fullness and high alcohol content, normally over 13.5%. Cabernet Sauvignon produced in Chile or Australia may contain more than 14.5% alcohol, in some cases even more than 15%. It is recommended to serve the wine slightly chilled, at a temperature of 15-18 degrees. For serving, it is better to choose a classic red wine glass.

Food Pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

“Did you know that Sauvignon comes from the French, “savage”? Beef stew will help you tame this beast,” tell you, remarkable wine chefs. Cabernet Sauvignon is not intended for light and delicate dishes; the rich taste and high tannin content make this wine an ideal pair for meat, cheeses, mushrooms, and hot sauces.

Cabernet Sauvignon is, indeed, the King of red grapes, popular all over the world. Its charm and taste will delight you. As a result, we highly suggest you to act quickly and definitely taste it. Cheers for the King!