Cabernet Sauvignon Flashcards
What are the acidity and tannin levels in a single variety Cabernet Sauvignon wine?
High acidity
High tannins
Does Cabernet Sauvignon produce pale or deep coloured wines?
Deep
Does Cabernet Sauvignon have thick or thin skins?
Thick
Name some of the the typical flavours usually found in Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Black fruit (blackcurrant, black cherry)
Herbal (mint)
Herbaceous (capsicum)
Are you more likely to find cooked/stewed fruit flavours in Cabernet Sauvignon in a moderate or a warm climate?
Warm climate
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon sometimes blended with other varieties like Merlot?
To help soften Cabernet Sauvignon’s high tannins and acidity
Tom make it more approachable, easier to drink upon release
To add some red fruit flavours
In which climate(s) is Cabernet Sauvignon grown?
Moderate and warm climate (but can sometimes struggle to ripen in moderate climates)
Why is it common for winemakers to mature Cabernet Sauvignon in oak barrels for several months or even years before bottling?
To help soften the tannins.
Add secondary flavours (if new oak barrels)
Can very good or outstanding quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines age well in bottle? Why?
Yes
High tannins and high acidity help to preserve the wine.
Tannins soften over time and tertiary flavours develop
On which “bank” in Bordeaux’s moderate climate, is it easier to fully ripen Cabernet Sauvignon? Why?
Left Bank
Gravel/stony soils
How do the gravel soils in Bordeaux help to ripen Cabernet Sauvignon
Quick drainage of water after any rainfall
gravels absorb heat
Name 5 AOCs of Bordeaux where Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blend.
Haut-Médoc
Margaux
Pauillac
Graves
Pessac-Léognan
(all on the left bank)
True or false: because the weather varies widely from one year to the next, blending is very important in Bordeaux.
True
Even with gravel soils, in some years Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen. Proportions of Merlot might increase in those years.
What does the term “Château” mean on a Bordeaux wine label?
Estate or producer
The wine has been made from grapes grown on the producer’s land (not bought grapes)
What does it mean if a Bordeaux wine label has the term “Grand Cru Classé” or “Cru Classé”?
The wine is part of a classification system which ranks the best Châteaux of Bordeaux.
These are often some of the most sought after wines of the region.
True or false: Cru Bourgeois is a labelling term in Bordeaux which holds no significance.
False. It is a classification system in Bordeaux.
Wines of the Médoc who aren’t on the “Grand Cru Classé” can apply.
What are Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine typically labelled as in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Name 2 neighboring regions in California which produce many very good to outstanding quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Napa Valley
Sonoma
Is this an accurate description of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon?
“Medium bodied, fresh black fruit flavours, low tannins.”
No.
Full bodied
Ripe and sometimes cooked black fruit flavours
High tannins
Name 3 sub-regions of Napa Valley.
Oakville
Rutherford
Calistoga
Will a wine labelled “California Cabernet Sauvignon” be well suited for long-term aging?
No.
Typically intended for immediate consumption, simple, fruity wines.
Name 2 important sub-regions of Chile’s Central Valley.
Maipo Valley
Colchagua Valley
Name the famous, mountainous wine region in South African which has a strong reputation for quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Stellenbosch
What does the labelling term Cape Blend mean? Which country is it associated with?
A wine made with a blend of varieties including Pinotage (and others like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)
South Africa
Name 2 famous Australian regions which have a reputation for quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Margaret River (WA)
Coonawarra (SA)
Name the New Zealand wine region where Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with Merlot.
Hawke’s Bay
How is it possible to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon wine with softer tannins?
-Winemaking techniques which extract less tannin
-Aging in oak barrels (oaxygen softens tannins)
