Main | Merlot »

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Somewhere in history, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted close to each other in a vineyard. The result was the birth of Cabernet Sauvignon--The King of Wines.

 

Cabernet Grapes
 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the king of wines because it is often described as "Big". Everything about Cabernet is big. It's flavors are big, it's aromas are big, it's tannin content is big, it's body is big. Even it's price tag is big. Cabernet is for people who like big, bold wines.

Cabernet has the longest history in France, where it is one of the principal ingredients for Red Bordeaux wine.  More recently, Cabernet has found a second home in California, where it is known to produce excellent wines. Other countries such as Australia, Italy, and Chile also produce Cabernet in large quantities, although often not of the same quality as Californian and French Cabernets.

Common flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon wines are of berries, currants, cedar, oak, spice, cherry, cocoa, earth, leather, and pepper. Sometimes, Cabernets showcase herbal and floral characteristics as well. Cabernet aromas are very much like the flavors.

Because of Cabernet Sauvignon's high tannin content, these wines are famous for aging. It has been said that Cabernet can develop in the bottle for decades, and can even be drunk a century after bottling! In general, aged Cabernets have mellower tannins, and more complexity.

So, what are the good "Cabs"?

Silver Oak One of California's top producers of high quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines

Opus One This wine is a joint venture between Bordeaux producer Baron Phillipe de Rothschild and  Napa Valley producer Robert Mondavi. The result is one of the most prized Cabernets ever produced.

Mario Perelli This Cabernet is in very limited production, but still remains a great value.

Joseph Family Vineyards Another limited production Cabernet that will surprise you with its complexity!

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://site.wineglobe.com/blog-mt3/mt-tb.fcgi/4


Hosting by Yahoo!

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)