Around the world with Cabernet Sauvignon
Known as the king of grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly the world’s most popular red wine. Yet, for all its popularity, it’s a relatively recent red varietal, having naturally mutated in the vineyards of Bordeaux between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. No wonder its name literally translates to “wild cabernet”.
Beloved for its strong tannins, ageability and robust flavours, it is instantly recognisable by its aromas of blackcurrant, and, if matured in oak, the scent of cedar, cigar box and tobacco. However, if the grapes are anything less than fully ripe, its parentage shines through with green, herbal aromas.
Found in many of the world’s most famous wine-growing regions, it nonetheless shows vast differences in flavour profile depending on where its grown.
Bordeaux, France
Considered the home of Cab, Bordeaux leads the charge with some of the world’s greatest examples and a quarter of the world’s Cab production. Yet, you won’t find a lot of single-varietal options here, as most are blended into the region’s eponymous Bordeaux blend, alongside Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Bisected by the Garonne River, it’s the gravelly soils that have a huge influence on the grape, creating medium-full-bodied wines with long-lasting tannins, and notes of tart blackcurrant, violet, plums, wet soil and savoury undertones.
Napa Valley, California, USA
Napa Valley blasted onto the world stage in the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris Tasting, when Napa’s 1973 Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon was ranked above classic Old World wines in a blind tasting. While California is known for its sunshine, Napa’s location on the San Pablo Bay offers a cooling influence with morning cloud cover, creating ideal ripening conditions. Napa Cabs can be recognised by their rich plushness, and prominent notes of black cherry, green pepper, chocolate and vanilla.
Coonawarra, Australia
Responsible for half of Australia’s Cabernet, Coonawarra is known for Cabs that offer incredible purity, freshness and bright fruit. About 80km from the coast, the flat terrain allows for a maritime climate, with red terra rossa clay soils that are rich with nutrients, bolstering the grape’s longevity and lending ageability to its Cabs. Having shed its over-ripe reputation of the 90s, modern Coonawarra Cabs are made with a lighter touch, yet still intense with fine tannins. Flavours of blackcurrant, mint, and bay leaf abound, with concentrated notes of mulberry, plum, dark cherry and earthy nuances.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
While Cabernet is grown throughout South Africa, it’s Stellenbosch that’s become known as the kingdom of Cab. Here, topography acts as Stellenbosch’s secret weapon, with varying aspects and slopes catching the prevailing wind and ocean influence to create a multitude of expressions. Expect Cabs that are ripe and fruity with enough poise as to not tip over into jammy territory. Structured, elegant and fresh, with a fine but firm tannin structure, they exude notes of blackcurrant, plum, cherry, dried herbs and tobacco.
However, there are many regions in South Africa with unique expressions of this versatile and alluring grape variety. At Belthazar we have a wide selection of these as well as classic icons from Stellenbosch and around the globe. Enjoy the world of Cabernet Sauvignon without leaving your table at Belthazar.
