3.5 | Principal Black Grape Varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 1

Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 1

black grape from SW France
aromas: black fruit, herbal or herbaceous
moderate to warm climate. Requires long and warm growing season.
thick skin
high tannin and high acid
medium to full body
can produce outstanding wines that mature for many years in bottle
Cabernet most famous for Left Bank wines of Bordeaux

Question 2

why is Cabernet often blended with varieties like Merlot?

Answer 2

soften the tannin and acidity of Cabernet. Particularly important in cooler vintages where Cab may struggle to ripen.

Weather in Bordeaux varies widely. For Left Bank red blends, proportion of merlot may increase in years where Cabernet struggled to ripen.

Question 3

what tertiary aromas/flavors develop in Cabernet that has been matured for many years?

Answer 3

dried fruit, earth, forest floor

Question 4

Despite Bordeaux’s moderate climate, Cabernet is able to grow successfully in Left Bank. What factors contribute to this?

Answer 4

Left Bank soils contain gravel, allowing rainwater to drain and preventing vines’ roots from becoming damp and cold.
Gravel also absorb heat and warm the vineyard.

Question 5

What are prominent Left Bank appellations that make Cabernet-dominated blends?

Answer 5

Medoc AOC
Haut-Medoc AOC (contains Margaux and Pauillac)
Graves AOC (contains Pessac - Léognan)

the best wines from these AOCs have long ageing potential

Question 6

South of France - Cabernet (climate, characteristics)

Answer 6

Because climate in South of France is warm and less variable than Bordeaux, Cabernet can ripen reliably here. Cabernet is produced as single-varietal wine as well as in blends with Merlot and other black grapes.

Question 7

What does “chateau” refer to on Bordeaux wine label?

Answer 7

estate or producer (not necessarily an actual chateau). Means grapes were grown on producer’s land

Question 8

Grand Cru Classé/Cru Classé

Answer 8

indication of quality for the best wines of Bordeaux.

Question 9

Cru Bourgeois

Answer 9

wines from Médoc that are not classified as Grand Cru Classé can apply for ‘Cru Bourgeois’ status. These can be very good to outstanding with long ageing potential. though not as expensive as the classified chateaux.

Question 10

Important regions for Cabernet Sauvignon:

Answer 10

France: Bordeaux
Regionally Important Labelling Terms in Bordeaux:
Château
Cru Classé
Grand Cru Classé
Cru Bourgeois

USA: California, Napa Valley (Oakville, Rutherford, Calistoga), Sonoma.

Chile: Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley

South Africa: Stellenbosch

Australia: Coonawarra, Margaret River

New Zealand: Hawke’s Bay

Question 11

Which Napa sub-region is warmer than the rest of Napa and produces very ripe and full-bodied wines?

Answer 11

Calistoga

Question 12

What characteristics do Cabernet from Oakville and Rutherford in Napa Valley have?

Answer 12

full-bodied, ripe black-fruit, highly tannic

Question 13

Central Valley’s hot, irrigated vineyards supply much of the fruit for wines under what label?

Answer 13

“California” (often producers use oak chips/staves)

Question 14

which regions in Chile is Cabernet known for?

Answer 14

Maipo Valley, Colchagua Valley (sub-regions of Central Valley). Foothill regions

Question 15

in Chile, which varieties is Cabernet commonly blended with?

Answer 15

Merlot and Carmenere.

Question 16

what characteristics are distinctive to Chilean Cabernet?

Answer 16

distinctive herbal (mint) and herbaceous (green bell pepper) aromas. Black fruit, and oak

Question 17

What varieties are in a South African Cape Blend?

Answer 17

Cabernet, Merlot, Pinotage (local specialty)

Question 18

What styles of Cabernet Sauvignon is Stellenbosch, South Africa known for?

Answer 18

styles vary: fresh, herbal style to full-bodied style with cooked fruit and high alcohol

Question 19

What type of Cabernet is produced in Coonawarra, Australia?

Answer 19

Coonawarra is moderated by cloud cover and cooling breezes from the south. Its Cabernet has distinctive herbal (mint) character, aromas of blackcurrant, smoke, and cedar. Quality from very good to outstanding. Can develop in bottle for many years

Question 20

What type of Cabernet is produced in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand?

Answer 20

Hawke’s Bay has moderate climate. Cabernet needs warmest sites in order to ripen. It is often blended with Merlot. Fresh red and black fruit flavors and herbaceous aromas.

Question 21

In what country are producers experimenting with making Cabernet in a less tannic style to be enjoyed younger?

Answer 21

Chile