Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Question 1

What does Merlot do for Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 1

It adds softness and body to a generally austere cab.

Question 2

What does Cab add to Merlot?

Answer 2

It adds tannins, acidity and aromatic fruit.

Question 3

Characteristics of cabernet sauvignon?

Answer 3

• black grape- full body- deeply colored wine- strong tannins- acidity- aromas- high skin to pulp ratio

Question 4

Cabernet Sauvignon flavor profile:

Answer 4

• black fruits (blackcurrant, black cherry)- herbaceous notes (bell pepper, mint, cedar)

Question 5

Why do cabs age well?

Answer 5

Because of their tannins, acidity and flavor profile.

Question 6

What kind of climate do cabs need?

Answer 6

A moderate to hot climate. It cannot ripen in cool climates. They will be very harsh and astringent with unpleasant herbaceous flavors, cabbage and meat.

Question 7

What are characteristics of cabs from hot climates?

Answer 7

Fuller-bodied, softer tannins, more black cherry fruit and less herbaceous character.

Question 8

What are the characteristics of Merlot?

Answer 8

Less aromatic, intense flavors and lighter tannins and acidity than cab but generally more body and higher alcohol.

Question 9

What are characteristics of Merlot wines from over-ripe moderate to hot climates?

Answer 9

• Black fruit character (blackberry, black plum, black cherry, fruitcake)- Full body- Med or low acidity- High alcohol- Med level of gentle tannins- Some super ripe versions display fruitcake and chocolate flavors

Question 10

What are characteristics of Merlot wines from cooler climates?

Answer 10

• More elegant style- Red fruit character (strawberry, red berry, plum), some herbal notes (mint) - a little more tannins and acidity

Question 11

What is the climate of Bordeaux?

Answer 11

Moderate, maritime climate with long warm autumns.

Question 12

Where is Bordeaux located?

Answer 12

Based around the Gironde estuary, where the Garonne and Dordogne rivers meet.

Question 13

What are the main appellations of the Left Bank? What is the highest classification?

Answer 13

• Médoc- Haut-Médoc (Pauillac, Margaux)- Graves (Pessac-Léognan)- (Grand) Cru Classé Châteaux

Question 14

What is the soil like in the Left Bank?

Answer 14

Gravel mounds drain water away and retain heat to aid ripening. Need well-drained soil.

Question 15

What are characteristics of Left Bank wine?

Answer 15

• Cabernets dominate- Med-to-full bodied- High tannins- High acidity- Med alcohol- Long length- With age, tannins soften and flavors of black fruit (black currant, black cherry) and toasty fragrant oak develop into vegetal, tobacco and cedar complexity

Question 16

Where is the Right Bank located?

Answer 16

To the North and East of the Gironde estuary and Dordogne river.

Question 17

What are the most important appellations?

Answer 17

• Saint-Emilion - Pomerol

Question 18

What is the soil like in the Right Bank?

Answer 18

Clay-based/iron-based soil retains water.

Question 19

What are characteristics of the Right Bank?

Answer 19

• Merlot dominates- Wines are generally softer- Med tannin levels- Med acidity- Red fruit character (plum, red berry)- Develops cedar and tobacco notes as they age

Question 20

What are the other Bordeaux appellations?

Answer 20

• Bordeaux AC- Bordeaux Supérieur AC

Question 21

What are the characteristics of the Bordeaux appellation wine? Why?

Answer 21

• Merlot because there’s more vines; they’re cheaper; and these are made to be drunk young.- Med-bodied reds- Med tannins- Med acidity- Mixture of red and black fruit flavors

Question 22

Where is cab and merlot grown in Australia? What are its characteristics?

Answer 22

Two modern classic regions:- Coonawarra: Cabs with distinctive mint/eucalyptus flavors, black fruit (black cherry) and oak notes (toast, vanilla)- Margaret River: cab and cab-merlot blends. High tannins with black fruit and herb flavors (blackcurrant, black currant leaf)

Question 23

Where is cab and merlot grown in NZ? What are the characteristics?

Answer 23

• Hawke’s Bay: only area warm enough and where water can drain. - High quality of each and blends- Have med-high acidity- Med-high tannins- Herb aromas (cedar, blackcurrant leaf)

Question 24

Where are cabs and merlot wines grown in the US? What are their characteristics?

Answer 24

• Napa Valley- Cabs: High levels of soft, ripe tannins, deeply colored with black cherry and oak flavors- Merlot: Generally full-bodied, soft black fruit and fruitcake and oak flavors. - Bordeaux blends

Question 25

Where is Cab and Merlot grown in Chile? What are their characteristics?

Answer 25

Chile: Maipo Valley, close to Santiago, Colchagua and Cachapoal- Cab, Merlot and Bordeaux blends- Pronounced herbal characteristics (green bell pepper, blackcurrant leaf) accompanying intense black fruit flavors (black cherry, blackberry)

Question 26

What’s peculiar about Chilean Merlot?

Answer 26

Some of the merlot is actually Carménère. Adds intense color and spiced black fruit flavors (blackberry, licorice, pepper)

Question 27

About Argentine Cabs:

Answer 27

• Cabs blended with Malbec. - Best Argentine wines are blends.- Traditionally they were aged in oak a long time with meaty and leathery flavors- Modern styles are more fruity, i.e. where climate is moderated by altitude

Question 28

Where are cabs and merlot grown in South Africa?

Answer 28

• Stellenbosch- Cab-merlot blends and some pure varietal blends- Have less intense fruit and more herb flavors than similar ones from CA or Australia- Close to Bordeaux style with high levels of tannins and acidity - most awarded

Question 29

What are the bulk production regions for inexpensive Cab, Merlot and blends?

Answer 29

• Chile- Southern France- South Africa (cab)- South-Eastern Australia (cab)- CA (cab)- Argentina (cab)- Northern Italy (light-bodied Merlots)

Question 30

What and where are some of the cab/merlot blends?

Answer 30

• Syrah adds softness and richness to Cab: Australia- Malbec and Merlot: Argentina- Carménère added to Cab and Merlot: Chile