Cabernet Sauvignon derives its name from the name of the grape from which it is made. It is one of the most sought after type of wine the world over. One of the reasons why it has become popular is the availability of the grapes for making the wine. This red wine grape variety can grow in different types of climate and soils compared to other varieties of grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in almost all the areas known for the growing of grapes for making wine. Such areas include the Okanaga valley of Canada to Beqaa valley of Lebanon. These grapes have characteristic thick skins and their vines are strong and resistant to frost and rot. One of the finest wines that made it to become popular the world over is in the making of Bordeaux wine which is made by blending the cabernet sauvignon with cabernet Franc and Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon owes its origin in France. It was a result of crossing two varieties of grapes: Cabernet franc and Sauvignon Blanc in the 17th century. From there; it found its way to Europe before spreading to Chile, Australia and California. It gained dominance throughout the 20th century but this was short lived because Merlot took over the prominence in the later part of the century. Cabernet Sauvignon is popular for its ability to adjust to different climates and soils. However, the type of wine that will be mad by the grapes is largely determined by the climate of the area where the grape is grown. This is because this type of wine making grape takes time to mature, flower and ripen compared to Merlot and cabernet franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon: The Different Flavors
Varietal cabernets wines are best made from grapes which have ripened fully due to the presence of adequate sunshine. Such grapes are available from California. Grapes growing in areas with cool climate are not likely to ripen completely and as such, the kind of wine that is made from them has a herbaceous and green bell pepper flavor which is caused by the pyrazines present in the grapes which did not achieve a complete ripened state. If the grapes are grown in areas experiencing high temperatures, the grapes are likely to be overripe and as such, the wine made from them develops a different flavor which is similar to cooked or skewed blackcurrant. Mint and Eucalyptus are two flavors that are present in cabernet sauvignon wines made from grapes which are grown in slightly warm climates. This ensures that the level of pyrazines is low. These wines are made in such areas as the Australian Coonawara region and the Washington state. During the winemaking process, one major consideration made is with regard to the type of wine to make. Will it be a blended or varietal wine? In case the winemaker decides to make blended wine, the time for blending the wine is also important .This is because each type of grape has its own style of fermentation. They therefore prefer to carry out the processes of fermenting differently and then blend when each of them is fully aged.
Foods Best Paired with Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of wine that has a presence therefore it is capable of overpowering delicate dishes. The characteristics of this wine found in it’s the alcoholic content, the amount of tannin present and also the oak flavor is a determining factor in the type of food to be served with a particular type of wine. If eating spicy food, avoid a wine with high alcohol content. This wine is suitable for serving with food which has mild spices. Cabernet Sauvignon is best taken with steak which helps to reduce the effect of tannins and enhance the fruity flavor of the wine. In Europe, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are served with fillet steak or veal which has a bell pepper stew accompaniment. Lebanese fried mushroom and garlic are the common foods that are served with this wine in the Middle East and also in Africa