Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon has put down roots just about everywhere grapes grow and is often a component of many of the world’s most popular wines. Although the exact origin of the grape is unknown, it is the Bordeaux region of France that has made it famous. Cabernet Sauvignon is a small and tough skinned grape that is less susceptible to vine diseases, which results in an easy to grow varietal.

Despite its hardiness, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the last grapes to ripen, usually 1-2 weeks after most varietals. When the grapes fail to completely ripen, the wines often can show a ‘green’ characteristic of bell peppers. In Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon will often be blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to help round out the wine if it doesn’t fully ripen in cooler years.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a high tannin grape and does well when fermented and/or aged in oak. This combination results in a full bodied highly tannic wine that when made well can age.