This red wine grape, perhaps the most noble of all varieties, is responsible for the great red wines of Bordeaux. It is the predominant grape in the Medoc where the well-drained soils and suitable climate are so important to its quality of flavors. In certain estates such as Chateau Mouton Rothschild 85%, Chateau Lafite Rothschild 70%, Chateau Latour 80%, Chateau Margaux 75%, and many others, this grape makes up most of the blend of some of the most sought after wines in the world. The taste is often likened to blackcurrants, and its aroma sometimes to green bell peppers. Yet, what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so remarkable is its longevity, structure and its ability to allow us to clearly taste the uniqueness of different vintages, terroir, and winemaking techniques. If Chardonnay is some people's vanilla, then Cabernet Sauvignon may be their chocolate. At its worst it can be harsh and astringent from the tannin, sour from the acidity and very dry and too strong for some. This is the best reason for blending with softer less-aggressive varieties such as Merlot as they do in Bordeaux.

Grape Attributes The distinguishing marks of this grape are its small size, its high ratio of pip to pulp [1to 12 vs semillon 1to 25], the thickness of its skins, and the distinctively blue color as opposed to red or purple for other varieties. The pips are a major factor in the high tannin level while the skins account for the depth of color that is the telltale sign of a Cabernet Sauvignon in so many blind tastings. The thick skins also aid in the grapes relative resistance to rot. The vine is extremely vigorous and should ideally be grafted on to a weak rootstock to keep its leaf growth in check.

Climate Considerations This vine both buds and ripens late, one to two weeks after Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grape ripening more slowly makes the picking dates less crucial yet in cooler regions may add to the underipe or green qualities that are so undesirable. Cabernet Sauvignon that fails to reach full ripeness can taste like Cabernet Franc or green and herbal. This same late ripening can be a problem in Bordeaux where rainstorms typically intensify in September. Region 2 is the ideal climate in California.

Soil Types This vine does the best on well drained gravely soils.

Canopy Management This can help tremendously in elevating quality and ripeness especially in cooler areas.

 

This red wine grape, perhaps the most noble of all varieties, is responsible for the great red wines of Bordeaux. It is the predominant grape in the Medoc where the well-drained soils and suitable climate are so important to its quality of flavors. In certain estates such as Chateau Mouton Rothschild 85%, Chateau Lafite Rothschild 70%, Chateau Latour 80%, Chateau Margaux 75%, and many others, this grape makes up most of the blend of some of the most sought after wines in the world. The taste is often likened to blackcurrants, and its aroma sometimes to green bell peppers. Yet, what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so remarkable is its longevity, structure and its ability to allow us to clearly taste the uniqueness of different vintages, terroir, and winemaking techniques. If Chardonnay is some people's vanilla, then Cabernet Sauvignon may be their chocolate. At its worst it can be harsh and astringent from the tannin, sour from the acidity and very dry and too strong for some. This is the best reason for blending with softer less-aggressive varieties such as Merlot as they do in Bordeaux.

Grape Attributes The distinguishing marks of this grape are its small size, its high ratio of pip to pulp [1to 12 vs semillon 1to 25], the thickness of its skins, and the distinctively blue color as opposed to red or purple for other varieties. The pips are a major factor in the high tannin level while the skins account for the depth of color that is the telltale sign of a Cabernet Sauvignon in so many blind tastings. The thick skins also aid in the grapes relative resistance to rot. The vine is extremely vigorous and should ideally be grafted on to a weak rootstock to keep its leaf growth in check.

Climate Considerations This vine both buds and ripens late, one to two weeks after Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grape ripening more slowly makes the picking dates less crucial yet in cooler regions may add to the underipe or green qualities that are so undesirable. Cabernet Sauvignon that fails to reach full ripeness can taste like Cabernet Franc or green and herbal. This same late ripening can be a problem in Bordeaux where rainstorms typically intensify in September. Region 2 is the ideal climate in California.

Soil Types This vine does the best on well drained gravely soils.

Canopy Management This can help tremendously in elevating quality and ripeness especially in cooler areas.