Cabernet Sauvignon is very likely, along with Chardonnay, the most well-known grape variety among wine enthusiasts.And for good reason, with 341,000 hectares, it is simply the most widely planted wine grape variety in the world !
But then, what are the origins of this grape variety? To what does it owe its incredible global success? What are its preferred regions in France ? Where is it found around the world? What can you expect during a tasting?
So many questions that you will find answers to in this article!
Summary
Origins and growing regions of Cabernet-Sauvignon
For many decades, the origins of Cabernet-Sauvignon remained a mystery to everyone.It was only in 1990, thanks to DNA analyses conducted by the University of Davis in California, that the true origin of the grape variety was finally revealed. Of Bordeaux origin, Cabernet Sauvignon was in fact the result of a cross between the varieties Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc carried out in the 17th century.
Despite its rather recent origins, therefore, compared to certain grape varieties such as Chenin, Gamay or even Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon has spread throughout the world thanks to its remarkable adaptability as well as its reputation as a quality grape variety.
Thus, it was first exported during the 18th century within the Bordeaux vineyard, notably in the Médoc (Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien, Margaux etc.) as well as in the Graves (Pessac-Léognan) where it is still the dominant grape variety today.
Then, in the 20th century, Cabernet Sauvignon was exported to many New World vineyards such as those in Australia, South Africa, California and Chile. Its adaptation was so successful that it has now become the most widely planted wine grape variety in the world with 341,000 hectares, or 4% of the world’s vineyards!
In France, Cabernet Sauvignon currently covers 50,000 hectares and is the 7th most important grape variety in the vineyards, behind Merlot, Grenache and Syrah but ahead of Cabernet Franc, Carignan and Pinot Noir. Furthermore, while its preferred region remains, of course, Bordeaux where it accounts for 23% of the planted area, it is also present in Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire, the South-West and even Provence.
Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon owes its popularity to its excellent adaptability as well as its ease of cultivation. Indeed, although it performs best in temperate climates, it also adapts very well to warmer climates, such as those of California or Australia.
Furthermore, its grapes have thick skins, and Cabernet shows good resistance to frost and various diseases.
Moreover, if Cabernet Sauvignon is so successful, it is also due to its great aromatic quality.Indeed, it produces age-worthy wines with powerful and robust tannins. Its classic aromas develop into bell pepper (red or green depending on ripeness), eucalyptus, blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry or even chocolate or cedar.
After several years of aging, notes of leather and undergrowth may appear. Furthermore, as Cabernet Sauvignon is regularly aged in oak barrels, these wines will often display spicy notes such as cinnamon, vanilla, tobacco, coffee, or even clove.
Finally, while it is entirely possible to find wines where Cabernet Sauvignon is offered as a single varietal, it is most often blended with other varieties to complement its qualities.This is particularly the case in Bordeaux where its two preferred partners are Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
The differences between Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are often compared or even contrasted. However, the respective qualities of the two grape varieties ideally merge.
Thus, while Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and has robust tannins, Merlot, on the other hand, brings roundness, softness, as well as a silky character to the wines. The latter is also renowned for its indulgentise, its aromatic profile evolving towards delicious fruity notes of plum, cherry, blackberry, and strawberry.
Therefore, instead of confronting them, let's see these two varieties as complementary : Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and aging potential, while Merlot brings roundness and indulgentsmoothness.
Merlot bunches
Pairings and serving suggestions for wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon
As seen, Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and tannic grape variety. Therefore, when pairing it with a meal, one immediately thinks of red meats such as beef, lamb, or even game, the only dishes capable of supporting the aromatic intensity and structure of wines from this grape variety.On the other hand, it is advisable to avoid cheeses with Cabernet Sauvignon, as its tannins do not pair well with milk proteins.
However, as the tannins soften and the aromas mellow with age, it is possible to pair an aged Cabernet Sauvignon with more delicate meats such as chicken or veal.
Finally, regarding the serving temperature, we recommend a range between 16-18°C in order to preserve the freshness of the wines while not emphasizing the tannins too much during tasting.
The best wines made from Cabernet-Sauvignon
Although it is complex to provide a precise list of the best Cabernet-Sauvignons, La Cave Éclairée offers you here a superb selection of wines made from this magnificent grape variety! From Bordeaux to Italy or the Rhône Valley, you will find here all the possible aromatic profiles of this variety, for all tastes and budgets!
- Bordeaux - Château Saransot-Dupré - Listrac-Médoc - Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
- Bordeaux - Château Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien - Sarget de Gruaud Larose
- Bordeaux - Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé red
- Bordeaux - Château Calon-Ségur - Saint-Estèphe 2nd Grand Cru Classé
- Bordeaux - Château Lynch-Moussas - Pauillac 5th Grand Cru Classé
- Bordeaux - Château Brane-Cantenac - Margaux 2nd Grand Cru Classé
- Rhône - Château de la Selve - IGP Coteaux de l'Ardèche - Beaulieu
- Italy - Serafini & Vidotto - Montello e Colli Asolani - Il rosso dell'Abazia
- Provence - Figuière - IGP Méditerranée red
You are now very well informed about Cabernet-sauvignon! Now, to combine theory with practice, all you have to do is make your choice from the great selection offered by La Cave Éclairée ! Of course, we are always at your disposal if you need any advice...until then, cheers!
