Who doesn’t enjoy a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with a juicy steak? Fellow wine lovers, here are fun facts about this ever-popular wine:
- Cabernet Sauvignon is known as “King of the Red Grapes”, is the most planted wine grape in the world (~720,000 acres)
2. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is relatively easy to grow and not so fussy. It does well in both warm and cool climates. But not too cool. Notes of green pepper can develop in cool climates. It does well on a variety of soils but does best in a well-drained gravelly and pebbly soil, like the ones found “at home”, in Médoc and Graves.
3. It is considered an “international” grape, grown successfully throughout the world, everywhere from California (where it the top grape in Napa) to Australia to Chile (here it is the most planted variety)
4. Unlike native French grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay considered to be a new variety. The grape emerged in the Bordeaux region of France in the 17th century and is actually a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc which is how it gets its name. It is also related to Merlot and Carmenere (half siblings), thus many people have difficulties distinguishing these wines apart.
5. It was the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet 1973, from Napa, that dethroned top Bordeaux at the famous Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976, proving that world-class wine could be made in California.
6. Cabernet Sauvignon is typically described as a full-bodied wine, rich in tannins and with a noticeable acidity. This makes it an excellent wine to age. Expect dark fruit flavors: black cherry, blackberry, black currant (cassis). There may also be baking spice — anise, clove, nutmeg. Graphite is a common descriptor, especially in Bordeaux
7. There’s a reason why “green bell pepper” aromas are associated with Cab Sauvignon – It has higher levels of an aroma compound called Methoxypyrazine which is why it’s noted for aromas of green bell pepper as well as black pepper, green peppercorn, and black currant.
8. Cabernet Sauvignon is good on its own but plays well with others. While in the US we generally find it as a single varietal wine, it is a big part of popular blends throughout the world including:
- Bordeaux/Meritage: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère
- Supertuscan: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah
- CMS Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
- Australian: Shiraz-Cabernet
9. Cabernet Sauvignon is so popular for good reason. The high level of the rough tannins perfectly combines with grilled meat and dishes with a strong flavor. Researchers found that the tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon act as “scrapers” to fats and proteins that collect on your tongue from the foods you eat. Foods like steak and lamb that have higher levels of these proteins pair extremely well with this high-tannin wine.
10. Cabernet has its own official holiday–the Thursday before Labor Day. The first official #CabernetDay started in 2010 when marketing guru, Rick Bakas gathered a group of wineries in Napa to promote it on social media.
Want to learn more? Watch this informative video from Wine Folly!
