Cabernet Sauvignon, well renowned amongst the red grape varieties, is beloved amongst many wine enthusiasts, and rightfully so, its deep and complex flavor holds the ability to entice your palette. Not only is Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wines, but its rich history spans across continents. When dealing with an illustrious grape such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s important to take notice of its charm and nobility. Many fascinating facts go into the creation and existence of this type of wine, some of which we’ll be discussing today.
Each wine is unique and carries a set of qualities that are unlike any other. Whether you’re new to these flavors or not, delving into the exciting characteristics and origins of the wine is an excellent way to fully enjoy it and perhaps learn a thing or two. A wine as old as the Cabernet Sauvignon holds many hidden treasures and mysteries that can be of great interest to any wine connoisseur. Every aspect that goes into the delicate process of wine-making affects the outcome. The Cabernet Sauvignon in all its glory, consists of many elegant layers and a wide range of characteristics that are enticing to the soul.
In this exploration, we will share with you some amazing facts regarding the wine’s history and overall allure that has been a favorite to many throughout the world, for centuries.
Noble Beginnings
First and foremost, let’s start from the beginning. Cabernet Sauvignon is both a type of grape and wine that has been around since the 17th century. It was first created through the blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc where its name also derives from. Although it’s considered an international grape, its birthplace is known to be the enchanting southwestern of France, more specifically, Bordeaux which is by itself known for a variety of exquisite wines.
The specificity of the region where the grapes are grown contributes to the authenticity and charm of the flavor. Some of the most prominent wine regions apart from Bordeaux are Napa Valley, South Australia, and Chile. In 1976, it gained noticeable attention in Napa Valley where it won the Judgment of Paris, ultimately proving that exceptional wines can be produced in California as well.
Climate and Adaptability
Due to its incredibly adaptable nature, this type of grape is known to thrive in both warm and cold climates, which is precisely why it’s one of the most planted grapes in the world. To be exact, it’s planted on approximately around 840,00 acres and typically prefers well-drained soil. The resilience of the grape itself allows for it to develop unique flavors depending on the environment it grows in with factors that come into play such as temperature, soil, and topography. The gravelly soils of Bordeaux provide it with a specific well-structured note that is renowned for the Cabernet Sauvignon whilst in the warm climate of Napa Valley its flavor and aroma are pronounced through the ripeness of the flavor and subtle tannins.
Each region adds its flare to the wine through various aromas and flavors that ultimately create a unique version of the Cabernet. Having a diverse grape such as the Cabernet Sauvignon allows for an exciting range of flavors that are both inviting and unique. Many factors can contribute to it, whether it’s the type of soil or the temperature, the result is most often irresistible.
Flavors and Complexities
Perhaps the most important aspect and allure of any wine is its flavor, which is exactly what we will be diving into. Each wine is an intimate canvas of flavors that contains a wide range of tones and shades that ultimately create an artwork. The Cabernet Sauvignon is known to be a wine that ages wonderfully and ultimately with time, develops a more deeper and complex flavor which is a delight, especially for collectors. The taste eventually evolves into a dynamic and elegant experience that pairs well with hearty meals. The wine itself has a stunning deep color and is often described as a full-bodied wine. In its early stages, this wine holds a variety of flavors, most noticeably, as you savor it you get a hint of dark fruits such as black currant, black cherries, and plum.
The beauty in tasting wines is that they hold many layers of intense flavors that await to be unfolded. In Cabernet Sauvignon, the secondary notes come forth with hints of cedar, oak, vanilla, even green bell pepper, and black pepper due to a compound that is found in its structure. These flavors unfold in a way that adds depth to the wine. Furthermore, Cabernet Sauvignon is known to have a high tannin content which affects its structure, depth of flavor, and quality of aging. A wine as special as the Cabernet Sauvignon is advised to be enjoyed with a prominent meal that compliments its character. Our recommendation is a grilled steak dinner accompanied by a luscious pepper sauce which will result in a memorable evening.
Food Pairing
While we’re on the topic of food, it’s crucial to discuss the pairings in which a wine can be enjoyed since not only will it pronounce its flavors, but the meal becomes a well-rounded experience that leaves a lasting impression. That being said, a complex and acidic wine such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs exceedingly well with savory dishes that are both hearty and rich. Red wines typically complement a variety of meats. This wine in particular is no exception, so opting for a meal where these elements can interact with each other will only enhance their special characteristic.
On the contrary, enjoying a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in the company of dishes such as lamb, stews, other grilled and charred meats, or even aged cheeses is an excellent option.
Aging Quality
As we’ve briefly mentioned, one of the aspects that makes Cabernet Sauvignon a delightful red wine is its impressive ability to age gracefully. It’s one of those wines that truly gets better with age. As it consists of high acidic content, along with its bold structure and an abundance of tannins, its flavors develop as a kind of magic trick, surprising you with every new layer as you savor it. These aspects also contribute to its impressive lifespan. Aside from the taste, its practical nature offers the possibility of storing it in a cellar for years, even decades to come, eventually revealing to you the complexity of flavor it has developed through time.
All of the charming flavors of fruit will transform into a mellowed version, allowing the secondary notes of the body to take shape and reveal themselves. This is where it gets exciting. The aged version of a Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a feast for the palette. Extraordinary hints of leather, earth, herbs, and pencil shavings decorate the flavor profile of the wine making it a captivating option for any wine lover.
Blends and Combinations
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that rarely stands alone and is oftentimes combined with a variety of wines that effectively influence the taste and overall structure. It’s quite rare to find a wine that is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, especially in Bordeaux where it’s commonly blended with other terrific wines from the region. Blending it with other wines generally changes the structure of the body by balancing it out and inevitably softening the mouthfeel, making it milder to consume. Winemakers are artists at work in that sense, combining flavors and notes to create a unique sensation of flavors typically consisting of fruitier tones that complement the intensity of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.
Not only is it commonly blended with other types of grapes but it interacts incredibly well with most of its pairings. After all, its existence is the result of a pairing of two exquisite wines that created a masterpiece. In Bordeaux, it’s predominantly blended with Merlot Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Syrah to create a wondrous palette for the senses. Having a versatile grape such as the Cabernet Sauvignon allows for the freedom and possibility of new creations and blends that consumers might find attractive.
Moreover, an interesting note to mention is the white variety of the same wine called Cabernet Blanc. This wine was created in the 20th century by combining Cabernet Sauvignon and a hybrid grape discovered in Switzerland. The art of blending and creating these flavors is truly something to be marveled at.
In conclusion, the nobility of the Cabernet Sauvignon is an exemplary option for the variety and allure of wines. Its humble beginnings from the dashing landscapes of Bordeaux, to the far ends of the globe only prove its excellence and mark it has left. From its rich history and diverse global expressions to its age-worthy character and food-pairing versatility, Cabernet Sauvignon continues to captivate wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts. As we’ve reached the end of our journey, we hope we offered you some clarity and perhaps even interested you in this astounding option and its profound effect it has in the world of wine.