The most widely cultivated red grape variety these days is without doubt the Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape varietal is a crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The crossing happened in the 1600’s and the grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon has since changed and differs much from its ancestor. The grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon was originally planted only in the Bordeaux region of France, but soon became so popular that today almost every red wine producing area plants it. France still remains the main grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon region. Follow Chile, United States, Italy, Australia, South Africa and Argentina. What makes grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon so popular is easy cultivation and resistance to viticulture hazards. Also, this red varietal produces some of the best full-bodied red wines.
Every time you drink Cabernet Sauvignon, you will get the hint of black cherries and licorice, making this red wine ideal when paired with fine desserts. Even though the classic grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon produces full bodied wines, its high tannins and acidity contribute to the wine’s great aging potential. Traditionally varietal Cabernet Sauvignon wines spend 12 to 24 months in fermentation tanks in order to absorb tannins from the skin and seeds and get that specific flavour. Because of the grape’s vigorous nature, when grown in hot climates, varietal Cabernet Sauvignon wines are excessive in both alcohol and fruit. However, if the grape was grown in a cooler climate, it needs extra time to fully mature.
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon is frequently used in red blends with great number of blending partners like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, etc. Apart from these popular red grape varietals, grape varietal Cabernet Sauvignon can be found in Malbec, Petit Verdot, Shiraz and Carmenere. This grape is one of the most blended one, due to its adaptability to different climates and soil type.
Due to its high acidity varietal Cabernet Sauvignon wines are not good to pair with spicy food. But if paired with heavy butter cream sauce and steak, the tannins get neutralized. Ideal for pairings with foods that are grilled, smoked and plank roasted. The Cabernet Sauvignon produced from the grapes grown in cooler climates have vegetal notes and can be paired with veggie foods as well. If you are a wine and cheese lover, then you must try pairing cheddar and mozzarella cheese with quality Cabernet Sauvignon.