What is Cabernet sauvignon? 

1. Cabernet sauvignon is a diverse, robust red grape that’s relatively easy to grow because of its resilience in a variety of climates. The major cab growing regions are France, Chile, USA, Italy, South Africa, and Argentina – in that order.

2. Cool climate cabs (Old World) will have higher acidity and more earthy flavors than cabs from warmer climates (New World). They tend to be more fruit forward and have a higher alcohol content.

3. A Bordeaux is a traditional French blend consisting of cabernet, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and malbec. Bordeaux from the left bank (Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, St. Estephe, Paulliac, Margaux, St. Julien) consists mostly of cabernet, while Bordeaux from the right bank (St. Emilion, Pomerol, and Fronsac) will consist of primarily merlot.

4. Part of the reason for cabernet’s reputation as the greatest grape is its ability to produce wines with a long finish. Good wines made from cabernet grapes tend to linger, allowing the drinker to taste many different components and have a super sensorial experience.

5. Cabs can be generalized as age worthy and often savory wines with a long finish and high tannins.

6. Cabernet will give you cotton mouth in a good way. Aromas of cigar box, tobacco, and wet dog can all be found in cabernet wines.

7. The reason cabernet is sanctioned as “the meat wine” is because the wine’s prickly tannins are smoothed by animal fat and protein. The complex structure of the wine is also complemented by the heartiness of robust meats (think of red meat’s chewy texture).

 

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