Hello my dear friends! It's Wednesday again, so here we are with another great topic about the world of wine. This particular blog will be a very special one as we will talk about one of our favorite grape varieties! The world celebrates International Cabernet Sauvignon Day on August 30 so bear with me to celebrate the excellent quality and deep berry flavor that have come to define Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Although today we know the history of this vine variety and how it was created, the allure and mystique of Cabernet Sauvignon wine has not diminished. The birth of Cabernet Sauvignon is thought to have occurred in 17th century France. It came about, it appears, by accident, when Cabernet Franc met Sauvignon Blanc. What a happy accident that turned out to be! It became popular during the 18th century, planted most prolifically in the Bordeaux region of Medoc. Winemakers were consistently looking for grapevine varieties that were resistant to weather changes and easy to grow. The rich and dark fruit flavor that characterized most Cabernet Sauvignon wines became highly sought after by wine enthusiasts, and the grape quickly rose to the status of noble grape.
And that was just the beginnings. Today Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted wine grape on earth, prominent in everything from the world's premier wines to the serviceable, reliable bottles that crowd grocery store shelves. You can surely find decent bottles of cab for less than twenty dollars, and then you have those 'cult' wines of California that will set you back quite a bit more, actually more than a bit. The priceof a three bottle case of Screaming Eagle 1997 is currently above 17 thousand dollars, not to mention that this wine has a waiting list. Such is the case of the best wines that come from the grape's home, the Medoc region of Bordeaux. Château Latour 2010 is quite an example of that. Ironically, despite being the world's most-planted wine grape, Cabernet Sauvignon is not the most-planted wine grape in Bordeaux (that distinction is enjoyed by its frequent collaborator, merlot).
Notable regions for Cabernet Sauvignon production include: Napa and Sonoma Valleys and Washington State in US, France, Italy and Australia. While Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in multiple South American countries, including Argentina, the most well known producer is Chile in its Aconagua, Maipo Valley, Colchagua, and Curicó regions. Other countries with important 'cab' production include South Africa, Spain, and New Zealand.
What makes Cabernet Sauvignon so special?
This grape varietal has three distinct features. Despite its small size, cabernet is quite sturdy: it grows well nearly everywhere, regardless of climate. The grape can also survive nearly all weather conditions, diseases, and insect infestations, making it invaluable to winemakers. Cabernet Sauvignon is great for barrel aging. In addition, Cabernet is oustanding due to its ability to blend well with oak, both in fermentation and barrel aging. This is partly what facilities the great aging the grape is famous for, with oak barrels mellowing the tannins and imparting new flavors and aromas. Last but not least, Cabernet grapes have thick, black skins, which are packed with tannins. Cabernet also takes its time ripening on the vine, and is less fussy when it comes to picking.
In terms of flavor profile, Cabernet Sauvignon is famous for its “green bell pepper” flavor, which comes from a compound called pyrazine. But it also features other distinct notes. On the nose, cabs feel quite bright, which tones down fruit flavors and overly sweet notes. Common aromas include blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, leather, tobacco, truffle, cedar, mint and eucaplytus.
Pairing is best with nearly all red meat, including prime rib, New York strip and filet mignon. Also try lamb or pepper-crusted ahi tuna. The wine is best enjoyed with food and is great in sauces or reductions. Hard cheeses are another classic pairing and it also matches well with dishes featuring warm, earthy spices such as Moroccan food. Be sure to avoid pasta and rice because the starches won’t mellow out the harsh tannins in the wine. Also avoid anything with bitterness.
Our recommendations
Apart from those big names from California and Bordeaux, we would like to recommend Cellar Door Estate by Anecoop Bodegas. This cab, made in Valencia, was awarded Bronze Medal at The Challenge International du Vin (vintage 2018). It's a very dark colored, robust, wine with a deep taste, but also very smooth. Cellar Door is truly enjoyable, inviting.
Vegas Red Blend by Avelino Vegas is another interesting red wine. It is a blend made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Of deep ruby red color, clean and bright, Vegas expresses the elegance and complexity of these two varieties. It feels Intense with hints of black fruit, cherries and ripe plums on a well-assembled and spicy background. The palate is powerful, broad with a perfect balance between acidity and alcohol and a subtle tannin that makes it very elegant, with a spicy and persistent finish. Other great recommendations include Ventisquero's Gran Reserva (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah) and the incredible Enclave ( 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot , 5% Carménère, 2% Cabernet Franc), both made within the Maipo region in Chile.
And that's a wrap for today! Have a happy rest of the week and... let's meet again here next Wednesday! Until then... Santé!
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