Probably the most popular and well known grape in the whole world, Cabernet Sauvignon, is considered as the King of Bordeaux wines. Known for its high tannin, austerity and long ageing potential, this grape is grown in almost every wine producing region and country.
OLD WORLD: France, Spain, Italy, all of Europe
The old worlds are all about blending, so it will be rare for you to come across a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Due to the wines high tannin and austerity, this is normally blended with other grapes, thus giving birth to the world famous Bordeaux blend. This famous blend consists of 3 grape varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. But you will find majority of Cabernet Sauvignon on the left bank of the Gironde River in Bordeaux as it grows extremely well in gravel soil.
Due to the intensity of the grape, chateaux in Bordeaux would always age the wine in French oak barrels for years in order to mellow down the tannins.
Some of the famous Chateaux in Bordeaux that have mastered the blend are the following: Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Margaux and Haut Brion.
NEW WORLD: USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Argentina
With less rules and regulations in the new world wine regions, you can find a huge variety of Cabernet Sauvignons, whether they are blends or standalone varietals. Sometimes, there are even crazy blends unheard of in the old world such as Cabernet Sauvignon – Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon – Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon – Pinotage, and more.
Generally, new world Cabernet Sauvignon wines are big, bold, and juicy fruit bombs! They are very forward and in your face style of wine. Some people like it, and some people don’t. Most of the new world wines are made ready to drink and not meant to keep for ageing but there are a select few places such as Napa Valley and Australia that makes quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are following the style of Bordeaux wines.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between two grapes: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This led grapevine historians to conclude that Cabernet Sauvignon originated from Bordeaux!
LEARN MORE:
Want to learn more about Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux wines? Come and join us in our Introduction to Bordeaux Wines class on 7 June (Thursday) @7pm.
For more information, click the link below!
http://www.finewines.com.sg/introduction-to-bordeaux-wine-class/
Want to get ahead and book seats? Email me at samantha@finewines.com.sg and reserve your slot today!
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