Cabernet Day For Wine Lovers
Every year, Cabernet Day is celebrated worldwide on the Thursday before Labor Day in August.
It started in 2010 when a social media campaign of #CabernetDay started to rise across all major platforms. Since 2010, grand tasting programs have been held across major cities, including Sydney, New York and San Francisco.
Offspring And White Cabernet
While not as prolific in mutating as Pinot noir, nor as widely used in production of offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon has been linked to other grape varieties. In 1961, a cross of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache produced the French wine grape .Cygne blanc is a white-berried seedling of Cabernet Sauvignon that was discovered in 1989 growing in a garden in Swan Valley, Western Australia. Cabernet blanc is a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and an unknown hybrid grape variety that was discovered in Switzerland in the late 20th century.
In 1977 a vine producing ‘bronze’ grapes was found in the vineyards of Cleggett Wines in Australia. They propagated this mutant, registered it under the name of Malian, and sold pale red wines under that name. In 1991 one of the Bronze Cabernet vines started producing white grapes. Cleggett registered this “White Cabernet” under the name of Shalistin. Compared to its Cabernet parent, Malian appears to lack anthocyanins in the subepidermal cells but retains them in the epidermis, whereas Shalistin has no anthocyanins in either layer. The team that went on to discover the VvMYBA1 and VvMYBA2 genes that control grape color have suggested that a gene involved in anthocyanin production has been deleted in the subepidermis of Malian, and then subepidermal cells invaded the epidermis to produce Shalistin.
In 1983, Cabernet Sauvignon was crossed with the white German wine grape Bronner to create the white wine grape Souvignier gris.
Napa Valleys Impact On New World Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon quickly began to spread across the world, and more and more vineyards began to grow them. However, no region revolutionized the wine industry with the creation of Cabernet Sauvignon like Napa Valley. In 1976, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap in Napa Valley beat out the top Bordeaux Chateaus in the 1976 Judgement of Paris in a blind taste test. Soon after, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was launched into the world, and it became popular at steakhouses worldwide. In 1985, the well-known Bordeaux wine critic, Robert Parker, awarded the 1985 Groth Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon a perfect 100-point score.
In 1990, Cabernet Sauvignon became the 8th most grown grape in the world. By 2010, it became the most popular grape variety. To this day, there are more than 742,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted around the globe. In Napa Valley and Sonoma County alone, there were over 24,000 acres in 2016, with more than 566,500 tons of grapes crushed. Now, Napa Valley has a decades-long reputation for its delicious and ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignons.
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Best Under $: 2016 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Alexander Valley, California | ABV: 13.9% | Tasting Notes: Toasty oak, Cassis, Wild herbs
For almost five decades, the Duncan family has shepherded Silver Oak Cellars on a continued path of perfection. Their Alexander Valley property is worth a visit to California alone, just to experience their LEED Certified Platinum winery and, of course, to taste their Alexander Valley Cabernet.
Classic Silver Oak layers of deeply delicious toasty oak notes are harnessed with vanilla, blackberry, cassis and violets, further revealing black currant and wild herb notes over time in the glass. Expect bold tannins, bold flavors and mind-boggling complexity.
Region: Mendocino County, California | ABV: 14% | Tasting Notes: Plum, Spice, Vanilla
Bonterras reputation in the beverage trade can be distilled into two major points: first, theyre committed to producing quality wines, and second, they were organic before it was cool. Yes, even as far back as 1987, Bonterra has made their wines without using pesticides. The extra effort is evident in their 2018 cabernet, an inspired feat from the originators of organic vino.
Expect flavors of cherry, plum, and spice with pretty oak notes tinged with vanilla. The wine has a hearty structure with soft acidity and a fresh finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot Vs Pinot Noir Vs Malbec
People find it difficult to differentiate between Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot because they are the two of the most common red wine varietals in the US. But, they are different. Merlot has a softer flavor, is slightly less acidic, and has fewer tannins. It also has a slightly fruitier flavor and is more delicate.
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon: When it comes to Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir is a thin and elegant wine that grows in fewer regions. Also, they are grown in different climates and have different harvesting periods. Pinot is harvested first and is grown in colder climates, while cab sav develops better in warmer climates, and is harvested later.
Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Malbec is yet another wine that is often compared with Cabernet Sauv. The cabernet tasting notes of Malbec vary significantly by region, whereas Cabernet has a consistent taste. Also, cabernet sauvignon wine is light-bodied and has fewer tannins as compared to Malbec.
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What’s The Difference Between Cabernet Sauvignon And Sauvignon Blanc
Hello there! I’m Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don’t worry, I’m no wine snobyou can also ask me those “dumb questions” you’re too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don’t forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q& A classics.
Dear Dr. Vinny,
What are the finer differences between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc?
Leen, Auckland, New Zealand
Dear Leen,
Both Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are the names of grapes, and wines made from those grapes. The two are related: Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
But Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape, and has success in many parts of the world, most notably in Californias Napa Valley and Frances Bordeaux region, where it is blended with other grapes to make stately red wines. Most Cabernet Sauvignons are full-bodied, bold reds.
Dr. Vinny
Surprising Facts About Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the finest wine grapes that yield an exotic red wine with the perfect texture. In addition, it is one of the best red wines with dark flavours. Despite being a red wine variety, it yields many fruit flavours, making it an earthy wine, according to some people.
Here are a few other facts related to Cabernet Sauvignon that will surprise you:
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Is Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Good For Cooking
Cooking with wine is an excellent option when you want to create a culinary delight of savory goodness. As magical and delicious a wine can be when you drink it, it can work great wonders when you use it in your cooking.
Wines are incredibly versatile, making them useful for many different dishes. Wine can bring a depth of flavor no spice in your kitchen can compare with. In addition, wines are known for bringing out the flavors of certain ingredients in meals that will have you and your visitors coming back for more.
You might want to try cooking with wine yourself, which is probably one of the best decisions you can make. So, you go through your wine cabinet and find a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, but is this wine good for cooking?
Cabernet Sauvignon wine is an excellent cooking wine. This wine is full-bodied and has a complex flavor that can make hearty meals even better. In addition, this wine is easy to find in stores, making it great to cook with, as you can usually find it anywhere.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine is a lovely, complex red wine that is as great for cooking as it is for drinking. This wine is one of the recommended cooking wines in the country, so you will not be disappointed if you cook with it.
Discover And Compare The World Of Merlot And Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wines At Marketview
The world of red wines is rich, fascinating and at times overwhelming. At Marketview Liquor, we offer an extensive, yet approachable catalog of cabernet sauvignons and merlots both in-store and online, available to ship directly to your front door. Make your red wine comparisons easier with our online search features, filtering everything from price and points to subregions and vintage years. Browse our online selection, order your next wine case of merlot, cabernet sauvignon or both and give these delicious, complex wines a try!
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Cabernet Sauvignon: Your Guide To The Worlds Most Popular Red Wine
McKenzie Hagan | August 24, 2020
Even if you dont know much about wine, chances are youre familiar with Cabernet Sauvignon. As one of the most popular red wine grape varieties in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, versatile, and reliable choice whether youre dining out with friends or simply unwinding at home.
So, what makes this wine so special? Glad you asked. In this guide, were sharing everything you need to know about this beloved beverage, including where it comes from, what it tastes like, and how its made. Weve also included the best temperature for serving, fabulous food pairings, and the type of glass you may want to use before uncorking your next bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
What Is The Difference Between Red Wine And Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet sauvignon, as you may well know by now is a type of red wine. This means that you cannot really determine a difference between them. Its like asking the difference between Hersheys and chocolate or cheddar and cheese!
However, it is worth noting here that the grapes used in cabernet sauvignon are actually a hybrid grape in that they are made from white and red grapes.
Whilst the resulting grape is a red grape, this could be looked at as one of the main differences between the red wine generally and cabernet sauvignon that being said, given that cabernet sauvignon is a type of red wine, you cannot really compare the two since reed wine is a generic name referring to many types of red wine.
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Is Cabernet Sauvignon A Red Wine Good For Cooking
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best choices if you are looking for wine for cooking. It has tart cherry flavours and earthy notes that give the perfect finish to any food. While roasting chicken or lamb, throw in some Cabernet Sauvignon wines to make the dish juicy and tender. It will also add creamy notes to your roast chicken or zesty notes to your lamb roast.
Since this wine pairs well with red meats, try pairing it with grilled steak, burgers or cheeses. You can also use it while making marinades for tenderizing meat before grilling.
Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Guide
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet, or Cab however you refer to it is a bold, rich, flavorful wine and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon so popular? From California to France and Chile to Australia, Cabernet is grown in almost every winemaking region around the globe. The thick, durable skin on the berries makes them resistant to the elements and easy to grow. Every region imparts slightly different qualities, but Cabernet Sauvignons concentrated dark fruit flavors make it a favorite of many wine lovers.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Vs Merlot
Since cabernet sauvignon and merlot are popular red wine grapes that are frequently blended together, they can sometimes be confused. The two varietals are actually related, making them a natural pair. Merlot is thinner-skinned and ripens earlier than cabernet. It’s a softer, fruit-forward wine that can stand alone or balance out grapes like sauvignon blanc in a blend.
How Cabernet Sauvignon Is Aged
Cabernet Sauvignon produces some of the most age-worthy wines in the world. Cab loves oak its such a bold wine that its almost impossible for oak to be intrusive. Instead, oak can really work wonders to round out the rough edges of young Cabernet Sauvignon.
French, American, and Hungarian oak all work well with Cab and its rare that oak isnt used. High-end Bordeaux and high-end Napa Cabs can age for decades, and even less expensive Cabernets can age for a bit. While we dont necessarily recommend hanging on to an inexpensive wine for years they are, after all, meant to be drunk young with Cab, it could be a fun experiment just to see what happens.
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When To Pick A Merlot
Opt for a bright bottle of merlot next time you or your friends are in the following situations:
- Youre a fan of semillons, Californian pinot noirs and dry chenin blancs.
- Youre searching for a bottle of red wine to complement various foods or cuisines, such as during a potluck.
- Youre drinking outside on a hot day.
- Youre looking to be generally more budget-conscious, as more merlots grow stateside and thus tend to be more affordable.
Taste And Flavor Profile
Cabs are decidedly dry in style and range from medium-bodied to full-bodied. They are characterized by higher tannins, which serve to provide structure and complexity while supporting the rich dark fruit characteristics. The popular red wine displays medium acidity and is commonly paired with food. The most common aromatic and flavor components found in cabernet sauvignon are dark fruits like plum, black cherry, and blackberry along with warm spice, vanilla, licorice, and black pepper. You will frequently whiff aromas of tobacco and leather.
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Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon red wine has a varied flavor because it is grown in a wide range of regions and climates. Cab Sauv can have savory and dark fruit flavors varying from bell pepper to black pepper. The wines from the old world have different tastes when compared to the new world.
Finding a wine completely produced in the old world is rare, and it is often blended with other varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon taste is more like floral/herbals of graphite, tobacco, and violets than fruit. The wine from the New World often has a touch of fruit like Black Cherry, Licorice, and Black Pepper wrapped with a dash of Vanilla.
Popular cabernet sauvignon flavors and aromas include Crème de cassis, Mint, Eucalyptus, Black cherries, Tobacco, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Chocolate, Blueberry, Truffle, Boysenberry, and Cedar.
How Is Cabernet Sauvignon Made
Like all types of wine, Cabernet Sauvignon starts at the vineyard with the grapes being harvested and pressed before the fermentation process. However, when it comes to Cab, the winemaker also decides whether it’s going to be a single varietal or blended wine. If it’s the latter, the wine producer will also determine whether the blending will be done before, during, or after fermenting.
As we explain in our essential guide to viniculture, if the wine is interrupted before fermentation finishes, there will be more residual sugar, resulting in a sweeter wine. If the winemaker allows fermentation to run its course, it will be a drier wine with lower sugar content.
For blended Cabs, some winemakers ferment and age the different grape varieties on their own and then combine the wine before bottling. Likewise, many wine producers will let the fermentation or aging process occur in oak barrels, which imparts those signature woody flavors that give Cabernet Sauvignon its distinct notes of vanilla, wood, and spice.
Whether it’s a blended or single-varietal Cab, this complex red usually clocks in with at least 13.5% ABV, which is a higher alcohol level than the average glass of wine at 12% ABV.
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Grapes And Wine Regions
Cabernet sauvignon has its historical and regional roots firmly planted in France, specifically Bordeaux. Cabernet sauvignon grapes grow well in a variety of soil conditions in warmer climates with plenty of sunshine. A late budding and late harvest grape, cab is typically grown in the spring and summer months and are harvested in the fall.
Cabernet sauvignon is a grape that shows riper fruit character from warmer New World wine regions like California, Washington, Chile, and Australia. Napa Valley has built a reputation on the back of cabernet sauvignon, creating some serious palate power and remarkable aging potential. In Old World regions, like Italy and France, cab is most often blended. Bordeaux’s best blends consist primarily of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cab franc. In Italy, cabernet sauvignon is typically found in the gutsy “Super Tuscan,” a red wine blend that falls outside of Italy’s strict DOC appellation regulations.
When To Pick A Cabernet Sauvignon
Go for a delicious bottle of cabernet sauvignon if you or your party:
- Dont like sweet wines, red or white.
- Crave a glass of wine to savor on its own.
- Enjoy high-tannin, heavier wines with longer finishes.
- Are drinking indoors on a cool or winter evening.
- Want to experiment with higher aged or oakier wines.
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Unique Cabernet Sauvignon Characteristics
Each type of wine grape develops a unique combination of flavors and aromas. Theseflavors and aromas are influenced by things like their growing environment , the fermentation process , and maturation .
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape that grows best in warm climates like Bordeaux, France and Napa Valley, California.
