Appreciating wine may be an artistic hobby. But when you are holding a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, you are whetting your throat with America’s most promising wine grape. Cab Sauv, the ‘King’ of wine grapes, has several theories of its genesis. True wine connoisseurs will not look elsewhere, for they know how priceless it is.
The word Sauvignon is a derivative of the French word Sauvage, which means “wild”. It has high tannins, a vital consideration in winemaking. Cab Sauv vineyards thrive even in the Gobi Desert.
Here are five things to know for those who are not regular at consuming Sauvignon. Keep reading to get to know archival details about the wine manufacturing of Cabernet in Napa farms.
#1. Fascinating Parentage:
The Cabernet Sauvignon, called “Cab” is a red grape that produces dark-colored wines of high tannic nature and acidity. It has an interesting family background. It originated in the Bordeaux region in France. Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, two popular grape varieties today. Merlot is Cabernet’s half-sibling. Even pros in wine drinking may find it hard to differentiate between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
#2 Most Planted Vine:
Cabernet Sauvignon scores high on the popularity chart. It is a widely planted wine grape–the plantings doubled between 1990 and 2010. In China, the Cab Sauv is also the most planted vine and is incredibly popular. In Bordeaux, its place of origin, Merlot planting, overtakes the Cabernet. One of the major reasons for Cabernet’s growing popularity is that it is easy to grow.
#3. Ages With Grace:
The high levels of tannin and chemical compounds in a Cabernet let it age well. The thick skin and the small berries contribute to the wine’s tannin level. It also enhances dining pleasure. A young Cabernet Sauvignon of high tannins pairs well with grilled steaks and short ribs, whereas aged Cabs in the bracket of 8 to 12 years have smoother tannins that partner well with chicken specialties.
#4. Stylish Taste:
Black Cherry, Black Currant, Blackberry–these are some dark flavors of Cabernet. Baking spices like anise, nutmeg is a part of Cab. Even ‘Graphite’ used for pencils is a reasonable inclusion in Cabernet. An under-ripe Cab may taste green. That’s why herbal inclusions such as mint and bell pepper add taste value. If the flavor is of dried fruit, then a Cabernet is overripe. It’s a matter of individual choice, so decide what you like.
#5. Connection With Chinese Medicine:
Cabernet may seem a ‘vegetal’ wine to wine enthusiasts since it tastes like green bell pepper. Pyrazines are organic compounds that lend an herb-like taste to wines; they are also present in the herbs used in Chinese medicines. Hence the connection!
Some More Enchanting Facts:
Enriching one’s knowledge about Cabernet Sauvignon is like enhancing its flavor. Here are some stimulating details about the world’s most popular wine you could share with your friends and guests at dinnertime conversation.
- The Cabernet grapes in the robust red wine, some believe, are a kind of Biturica grape, which was an ancient variety popular in Rome in the 1st century. It is a wild theory that is waiting for confirmation to this day.
- A six-liter bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon turned out the most expensive wine sold at an auction. It got sold at half a million in the year 2000. What a tremendous sense of accomplishment for the Cab!
- Apart from Bordeaux in France, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in equally popular regions like Napa Valley (California), Maipo Valley (South America), Coonawarra (South Australia).
- There is an official holiday for Cabernet Sauvignon. The first official day celebrated as #CabernetDay was in 2010. Certified sommelier and Cannabis business owner Rick Bakas promoted some Napa wineries on social media.
- A group of marine biologists named mutations of zebrafish after wine varietals-Merlot, Riesling and Cabernet!
- There is an interesting connection between music and wine. Researchers in Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University conducted a study in 2008 and found that different music genres and artists could boost tasters' wine score by 60%. To justify the sound blast of American musician Jimi Hendrix could enhance Cab Sauv. It proves that music is not just for the ears but also for the wine palate!
Conclusion:
Cabernet is one of the priciest wines with a long life. It also provides the backbone for the world’s other famous wines. A Cabernet needs 10 to 13 years to reach its peak drinking age, according to most sommeliers. Dark, full-bodied, high in tannins are certain properties that make it a perfect pairing for meaty dishes.
So, if you ever taste a Cabernet Sauvignon from reputed wine producers, consider it a privilege. A Cab Sauv is a symbol of taste and prestige in business lunches and high-powered evenings. It is sturdy, earthy, and rich to earn the tag of spectacular wine. Is your glass ready?