Cabernet Sauvignon
Image courtesy of bordeaux.com
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most planted grape. This popularity is due to its ease of cultivation, thick-skinned grapes, hardy vines, and vigorous growth. This varietal is resistant to rot and insects and buds late, which helps to avoid frost. It is typically low-yielding, which helps concentrate flavors.
Origins
Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of a 17th century cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in Southwestern France, as verified by the UC Davis research team of Dr. Carole Meredith and Dr. John Bowers. It grew to popularity in Bordeaux in the 18th century
and began to spread because of the reputation of the Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.1
The grape, along with Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals, further developed in the Tuscany region of Italy in the 1940s. There, winemakers, including Marchesi Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, were inspired by the gravel soil, similar to that of Graves and Haut- Médoc in Bordeaux and unlike the soil in the rest of the Tuscany region. In 1978, Decanter magazine intermingled a Sassicaia into a blind tasting of Bordeaux wine and it scored higher than much of the competition. This international success started a wave of new plantings of Bordeaux varietals and helped carve out the Bolgheri DOC in the region.
Cabernet Sauvignon reached even further acclaim with the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The story, told in the 2008 movie Bottle Shock, featuring the new Captain Kirk aka Chris Pine (available on Netflix), resulted in both Napa Valley’s rise to the international level and cemented the region’s relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2004 Berlin Tasting was Chile’s equivalent to Napa’s 1976 Judgement of Paris. Though Chile has some of the oldest vines due to not being hit by phylloxera, it was not known as a quality producer. This changed when Viñedo Chadwick scored higher than the standard-bearing Châteaus: Latour, Margaux and Lafite.
Recently, China has planted large tracts of Cabernet Sauvignon, but they are still developing.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of a 17th century cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in Southwestern France, as verified by the UC Davis research team of Dr. Carole Meredith and Dr. John Bowers. It grew to popularity in Bordeaux in the 18th century
and began to spread because of the reputation of the Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.1
The grape, along with Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals, further developed in the Tuscany region of Italy in the 1940s. There, winemakers, including Marchesi Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, were inspired by the gravel soil, similar to that of Graves and Haut- Médoc in Bordeaux and unlike the soil in the rest of the Tuscany region. In 1978, Decanter magazine intermingled a Sassicaia into a blind tasting of Bordeaux wine and it scored higher than much of the competition. This international success started a wave of new plantings of Bordeaux varietals and helped carve out the Bolgheri DOC in the region.
Cabernet Sauvignon reached even further acclaim with the 1976 Judgement of Paris. The story, told in the 2008 movie Bottle Shock, featuring the new Captain Kirk aka Chris Pine (available on Netflix), resulted in both Napa Valley’s rise to the international level and cemented the region’s relationship with Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2004 Berlin Tasting was Chile’s equivalent to Napa’s 1976 Judgement of Paris. Though Chile has some of the oldest vines due to not being hit by phylloxera, it was not known as a quality producer. This changed when Viñedo Chadwick scored higher than the standard-bearing Châteaus: Latour, Margaux and Lafite.
Recently, China has planted large tracts of Cabernet Sauvignon, but they are still developing.
Common Synonyms:
Labeling
- Common: None
- Rare: Bouche, Petite-Bouche, Petite Cabernet, Vidure, Petite-Vidure, and Sauvignon Rouge. In Spain it is called Burdeos Tintos.
Labeling
- American "Cabernet Sauvignon" may contain up to 25% other grapes.
Growing Characteristic
- Cabernet Sauvignon's ideal soil is composed of gravel with good drainage and low soil fertility. The low fertility puts the vines in a state of stress earlier in the growing
season, which shifts the vine's focus from growing leaves to ripening grapes. - Cabernet Sauvignon is late budding and late to ripen because it requires warm summer heat. This helps the grape succeed in warmer growing regions.
- If the temperature is too cool, Cabernet Sauvignon does not ripen properly. This can bring out an herbaceous aroma in the grape. If cool weather causes grapes to ripen unevenly, a more selective winery can sort out only the properly ripe grapes, whereas a less selective winery may include grapes that are "ripe enough". This impacts price as there are fewer grapes to make wine.
- If the climate is too warm, the grape is not as complex
Styles
Easy Drinking Red
Found in Vineyards with high yields and minimal winemaking, techniques including the usage of microxigination instead of barrel aging.
Single Varietal
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Blends
Bordeaux Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and to a lesser extent Carmenère and Malbec
Merlot is round and soft used to provide body. Plum and black fruit character Petit Verdot provides tannin and acid Pullaic and San Juillian have more dominant Cabernet in the Blend. Margaux stylistically varies on the blend.
- Meritage
The Meritage Alliance, formed in the 1980’s is a trade organization that governs the usage of “meritage” on the bottle. For a bottle to be called a meritage, it requires the following: “Meritage wines are provocative red or white wines crafted solely from specific "noble" Bordeaux grape varieties and are considered to be the very best wines of the vintage.” meritagealliance.com/ - Super Tuscan Blend
Super Tuscan is a loose term. It refers to a wine that uses Bordeaux varietals instead of only Italian ones. However production varies. Some winemakers exclusively use Bordeaux varietals whereas other blend with Italian varietals with the most popular being Sangiovese. In particular DOC Bolgheri allows wine to be 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Merlot, or 100% Cabernet Franc or blended with up to 50% of one or more of the following: Syrah, Sangiovese with under 30% of a complementary varietal like Petit Verdot.
The difference between Bolgheri DOC, Bolgheri Superiore DOC is the aging duration. Bolgheri DOC wine may be released only after the 1 September on the year following harvest whereas Bolgheri Superiore DOC has to be aged at least 2 years calculated from the 1 January of the year following harvest, of which at least one in oak barrels.
Cabernet Sauvignon- Shiraz Blend from Australia
Popularized by Penfold’s Bin 60A which was a blend of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Barossa Valley Shiraz, and regarded as the best red wines ever made in Australia. In this combination, the mid-palate of Cabernet is filled by the jammy notes of Shiraz. There are no rules as to if the blend needs to be Shiraz dominant or Cabernet Sauvignon dominant.
Cabernet Sauvignon - Malbec Blend from Argentina
There is typically a higher proportion of Malbec or a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon with no defined proportions. Unlike in Bordeaux, these wines do not contain Merlot.
Typically found from Mendoza, which produces both grapes.
Sugar/Alcohol: Medium-High
Acidity: Medium acidity
Tannins: High
Oak: Yes. Used to soften tannins. There is some unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak used in Bordeaux is typically French 225 liter barriques.
Acidity: Medium acidity
Tannins: High
Oak: Yes. Used to soften tannins. There is some unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon. Oak used in Bordeaux is typically French 225 liter barriques.
Cellaring:
Glass Type: Oversized Red Wine Glass
Serving Temperature:
- Age 30+ years depending on how the wine is made
Glass Type: Oversized Red Wine Glass
Serving Temperature:
- 60 ºF to 68 ºF
Dry Styles
Protein
Cheese
Protein
- Steak, Burgers, Beef Short Ribs, Lamb, Portobello Mushrooms
- Sun Dried Tomato, Red Peppers, Caramelized Onion, Peach, Cranberry, Apple
- Cinnamon, all-spice, Chinese 5 spice (cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, Szechuan peppercorns), black pepper
Cheese
- Cow's milk cheese which is semi-hard with extended Age like aged Cheddar and Gouda
- Chocolate, Berry Pie
Bordeaux |
Bordeaux AOC Bordeaux Superior AOC |
Medoc |
Medoc |
Graves |
Climate |
Winkler II |
Winkler II |
Winkler II |
Winkler II |
Annual Rainfall |
36.7 inches |
36.7 inches |
36.7 inches |
36.7 inches |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
Daily maximum: 80° F (July) Daily minimum: 60° (July) Daily maximum: 50° (January) Daily minimum: 37° (January) |
Daily maximum: 80° F (July) Daily minimum: 60° (July) Daily maximum: 50° (January) Daily minimum: 37° (January) |
Daily maximum: 80° F (July) Daily minimum: 60° (July) Daily maximum: 50° (January) Daily minimum: 37° (January) |
Daily maximum: 80° F (July) Daily minimum: 60° (July) Daily maximum: 50° (January) Daily minimum: 37° (January) |
Elevation |
sea level to 177 ft |
sea level to 177 ft |
sea level to 177 ft |
sea level to 177 ft |
Soil |
Diverse soil set which depend on the vineyards location. |
The soil is predominantly clay with outcrops of extremely varied Garonne gravel, Pyrenean gravel, and limestone soils. |
A pre-dominance of layers of (essentially Garonne) gravel, deposited in outcrops, these sites are all characterized by their wide diversity. |
Gravel deposits are part of a hilly relief and form well-defined ridges. These ridges along with a hydrographic network of small rivers allow for remarkable natural drainage yet provide ample water |
Characteristics |
Bordeaux AOC This is the broadest category of Bordeaux Production Requirements Blend of any Bordeaux varieties in any proportion No Harvest Yield requirements and no Age Requirements Requires minimum alcohol content of 10% ABV after fermentation Bordeaux Superior Production Requirements Blend of any Bordeaux varieties in any proportion Requires a minimum alcohol content of 10.5% ABV after fermentation Harvest yield cannot exceed 50 hl per hectare Wine must be aged until at least July 1, the year after the harvest More concentrated and complex than most AOC Bordeaux |
Wines tend to have a higher proportion of Merlot than those from Haut Medoc. (WSET) Wines are characterised by their distinction, roundness and balance. They can be full bodied with a fine ruby red colour in which case they will benefit from ageing, allowing their many nuances to develop. Others are elegant, subtle, and fruit driven, ready for drinking young, without masking their exemplary finesse. (medoc.com) |
Despite these differences due to this mosaic of climatic and geological influence, the wines share the same family traits: Lively and brilliant, full-bodied without being too powerful, and harmoniously balanced, they acquire a rare complexity over the years. Key Subregions of Haut Medoc: - Margaux - Sant Julien - Saint-Estèphe - Pauillac |
Cabernet Sauvignon, but in general the wines are a little lighter in body and more fragrant than the finest wines of the Haut-Medoc (WSET) |
AOC Website |
bordeaux.com |
medoc-bordeaux.com |
medoc-bordeaux.com |
vinsdegraves.com pessac-leognan.com |
*Sauvignon Blanc from France will typically have a region name and not a grape varietal on the lablel.
Photo Credit: Loire Valley Wine/ Osmany Tavares
|
Photo Credit: Bordeaux-tourism.co.uk
|
Cool Regions |
Valley Floor |
Myacamas Mountains |
Vaca Range |
|
|
N/A |
N/A |
Climate |
Winkler III to Winkler IV |
Winkler III to Winkler IV |
Winkler III to Winkler IV |
Rainfall |
36 to 38 inches of annual rainfall |
36 to 38 inches of annual rainfall |
36 to 38 inches of annual rainfall |
Elevation |
Sea Level - 475 feet |
2,600 feet |
2,600 feet |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
Daily maximum: 89° F (July) Daily minimum: 52° F (July) Daily maximum: 58° F (January) Daily minimum: 38° F (January) |
Daily maximum: 81° F (July) Daily minimum: 44° F (July) Daily maximum: 50° F (January) Daily minimum: 30° F (January) |
Daily maximum: 81° F (July) Daily minimum: 44° F (July) Daily maximum: 50° F (January) Daily minimum: 30° F (January) |
Soil |
South and west borders are more sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention. Further north and to the east soils are prevalently volcanic in origin and re deeper and more fertile. |
Sedimentary based, former seabed, shallow and generally well drained, as well as more acidic, with low fertility. Most have a sandy or sandy-loam texture. |
There are two main soil types on Howell Mountain: decomposed volcanic ash (called “tufa”), and red clay. Drainage is high, and both soil types are nutrient-poor. This stresses the vines and produces intense wines from small clusters and smaller grapes. |
Characteristics |
Lush and refined. Blueberry, ripe plum, black cherry, licorice, mocha and violet (or mint). Usually well-rounded with more refined flavor profiles along with fine integrated tannins. If you’re into lush Cabernet Sauvignon wines with a dominance of fruit flavors, then these Napa Valley AVAs are likely to make you very happy. These wines show marvelously in their first decade and hit another sweet spot at around 15 or so years of age. - Napa Vintners |
On the hillsides of Napa Valley, dusty and bold, flavors of black currant, black cherry, wild berry, spice box, anise, espresso, cedar, and sage. Wines have more rustic flavor profiles with heightened minerality and earthiness, supported by firm tannins. If you’re into bold, smoky and mineral-driven Cabernet with good structure (or tannins), then the hillside AVAs of Napa are likely to make you happy. The more variable temperatures in the hills produce smaller berries, which in turn add color and tannin to the wines. Due to higher tannins, these wines generally become more lithe and supple after at least 5 to 10 years in the bottle. |
On the hillsides of Napa Valley, dusty and bold, flavors of black currant, black cherry, wild berry, spice box, anise, espresso, cedar, and sage. Wines have more rustic flavor profiles with heightened minerality and earthiness, supported by firm tannins. If you’re into bold, smoky and mineral-driven Cabernet with good structure (or tannins), then the hillside AVAs of Napa are likely to make you happy. The more variable temperatures in the hills produce smaller berries, which in turn add color and tannin to the wines. Due to higher tannins, these wines generally become more lithe and supple after at least 5 to 10 years in the bottle. |
AVA Website |
napavintners.com |
napavintners.com |
napavintners.com |
Sonoma Alexander Valley AVA |
Sonoma Dry Creek Valley |
Washington Columbia Valley |
|
Climate |
*Winkler III |
*Winkler III |
*Winkler II |
Rainfall |
30-50 inches |
Approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall |
Less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Vines rely on irrigation |
Elevation |
134 to 2572 feet |
|
200 to 2,000 feet |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
Daily maximum: 86° F (July) Daily minimum: 55° F (July) Daily maximum: 54° F (January) Daily minimum: 39° F (January) |
Daily maximum: 86° F (July) Daily minimum: 55° F (July) Daily maximum: 54° F (January) Daily minimum: 39° F (January) |
Daily maximum: 89° F (July) Daily minimum: 55° F (July) Daily maximum: 58° F (January) Daily minimum: 38° F (January) |
Soil |
South and west borders are more sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention. Further north and to the east soils are prevalently volcanic in origin and are deeper and more fertile. |
Sedimentary based, former seabed, shallow and generally well drained, as well as more acidic, with low fertility. Most have a sandy or sandy-loam texture. |
There are two main soil types on Howell Mountain: decomposed volcanic ash (called “tufa”) and red clay. Drainage is high and both soil types are nutrient-poor. This stresses the vines and produces intense wines from small clusters and smaller grapes. |
Characteristics |
Lush and refined. Blueberry, ripe plum, black cherry, licorice, mocha and violet (or mint). Usually well rounded with more refined flavor profiles along with fine integrated tannins. If you’re into lush Cabernet Sauvignon wines with a dominance of fruit flavors, then these Napa Valley AVAs are likely to make you very happy. These wines show marvelously in their first decade and hit another sweet spot at around 15 or so years of age. - Napa Vintners |
On the hillsides of Napa Valley, dusty and Bold, flavors of Black currant, black cherry, wild berry, spice box, anise, espresso, cedar and sage. Wines have more rustic flavor profiles with heightened minerality and earthiness, supported by firm tannins. If you’re into bold, smoky and mineral-driven Cabernet with good structure (or tannins), then the hillside AVAs of Napa are likely to make you happy. The more variable temperatures in the hills produce smaller berries, which in turn add color and tannin to the wines. Due to higher tannins, these wines generally become more lithe and supple after at least 5 to 10 years in the bottle. |
On the hillsides of Napa Valley, dusty and Bold, flavors of Black currant, black cherry, wild berry, spice box, anise, espresso, cedar and sage. Wines have more rustic flavor profiles with heightened minerality and earthiness, supported by firm tannins. If you’re into bold, smoky and mineral-driven Cabernet with good structure (or tannins), then the hillside AVAs of Napa are likely to make you happy. The more variable temperatures in the hills produce smaller berries, which in turn add color and tannin to the wines. Due to higher tannins, these wines generally become more lithe and supple after at least 5 to 10 years in the bottle. |
Region Website |
napavintners.com |
napavintners.com |
napavintners.com |
photo credit: Napa Valley Vinters
|
photo credit: Alto Adige Wines
|
Argentina Cafayate, Calchaquí Valley |
Coonawarra, Australia |
Margaret River Australia |
|
Climate |
Winkler Region II |
*Winkler Region II |
Winkler Region III |
Rainfall |
Less than 10 inches of annual rainfall. Vines rely on irrigation. |
24.21 inches of annual rainfall |
44 inches of annual rainfall |
Elevation |
5,000 feet to 10,000 feet |
187 feet |
131–744 feet |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
*Winkler II Daily maximum: 83° F (January) Daily minimum: 63° F (January) Daily maximum: 69° F (June) Daily minimum: 40° F (June) |
*Winkler II Daily maximum: 83° F (Feb) Daily minimum: 54° F (Feb) Daily maximum: 57° F (July) Daily minimum: 40° F (July) |
*Winkler III Daily maximum: 81° F (Feb) Daily minimum: 58° F (Feb) Daily maximum: 61° F (July) Daily minimum: 47° F (July) |
Soil |
Sandy-loam soils made from thick grains with gravel and fine sands on the surface. These characteristics are similar to the layers of subsoil but with fractions of finer sand located deeper and with presence of round stone. |
Terra rossa (Italian for red soil) is a type of red clay produced by the weathering of limestone over many thousands of years and colored by iron oxide. Free-draining yet complemented by the water-holding capacity of the limestone, the unique soil influences vine vigor, ripeness, and wine flavour. |
“Soils are predominantly deep, well-drained, red gravelly loams. Running down the middle of the region is the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge . . . with granite bedrock which, over time, has created a complex network of gneiss, schist and granite-based soils, the oldest in the world. These soils are low in nutrients, resulting in low vigour in the vineyard – ideal for producing high-quality grapes.” |
Characteristics |
"If there is a region in Argentina that knows how to make Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s Cafayate, in the heart of the Calchaquí Valleys. Here, at an altitude of 1.750 metres above sea level, Cabernet has developed an expression easy to distinguish by its spicy, herbal and menthol nuances. In this region the climate is extreme with a very marked thermal amplitude, which at the time of maturity, can reach 20 degrees Celsius. So at night the grapes concentrate acidity and explosive aromas." As with all high desert wines, they are a deep red and very concentrated, with a unique freshness. |
Savoury elegance and structure of Europe, yet, the fruit purity, ripeness and concentration of Australia. These wines are medium bodied, displaying silky supple tannins, integrated acid, defined fruit characters and a satisfying lingering palate –characteristics that are evident in both young and aged Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are ideally suited to contemporary dining trends, with a delicate, savory fruit profile of cassis, dark red berries, blackcurrant, mint and violets. |
The wines tend to be medium bodied, very perfumed and elegant in style, with powdery emery fine tannins and crisp acidity. The wines are suited to long term cellaring. Many of the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards are based on the Heritage “Houghton” clone selection. This produces low crops of very small berries with particularly fine tannin structure. Descriptors: perfumed, cassis/blackcurrant, red currant, cedar, bay leaf. |
Region Website |
bordeaux.com |
coonawarra.org |
margaretriver.wine |
Central Valley Maipo Valley, Aconcagua and Rapel Valley Chile |
Mendoza Indicacion Geografico Argentina |
Paso Robles |
|
Climate |
Winkler III to Winkler IV |
Winkler III to Winkler IV |
*Winkler II to Winkler IV |
Rainfall |
12.4 inches of annual rainfall |
7 inches. Vines Require irrigation |
8 to 30 inches of annual rainfall depending on the vineyard location |
Elevation |
2,600 feet |
1,411 to 6,562 ft |
600 – 2,400+ feet |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
Daily maximum: 87° F (February) Daily minimum: 54° F (February) Daily maximum: 61° F (July) Daily minimum: 37° F (July) |
Daily maximum: 91° F (February) Daily minimum: 65° F (February) Daily maximum: 59° F (July) Daily minimum: 54° F (July) |
Daily maximum: 92° F (July) Daily minimum: 52° F (July) Daily maximum: 62° F (January) Daily minimum: 34° F (January) |
Soil |
Colluvial, loamy, and very little fertile soils. In the east soils are sand and gravel. To the west, more clay. |
Alluvial soil composed of pebbles, sand, silt and clay. |
Paso Robles AVA. These are primarily bedrock-derived soils from weathered granite, older marine sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, and younger marine sedimentary rocks of the Miocene-age Monterey Formation, featuring calcareous shales, sandstone, or mudstone. Soil diversity is the norm and a vineyard block may commonly contain several different soil types. |
Characteristics |
Maipo Cabernet has intense red fruit aromas such as ripe cherries, raspberries, and cassis, and aromas are intense pure and aromatic. On the Palate Maipo Cabernet Sauvignon shows a sweet and ripe mouthfeel that is rounded and fresh. I think it is fresher than Napa and more fruit forward than Bordeaux. (Sebastián Labbé, Winemaker at Santa Rita winery. Alto Maipo) Aconcagua Cabernet has fine tannins, similar to that of Paulliac and Margaux, and unlike the typically more robust tannins of Napa. At the aromatic level, Cabernets are are characterized by a range of fruit aromas such as cherries, and accompanied by delicate balsamic notes. In Napa, the balsamic notes can sometimes be very marked. It should be noted that in Aconcagua the climatic conditions allow achieving phenolic maturity levels that in general in Bordeaux are only achieved in very exceptional vintages. (Mauro Von Siebenthal, winemaker at Von Siebenthal winery. Aconcagua Valley.) Cool climate Cabernet from Rapel Valley grown at altitude The Cab from Los Lingues will come from mountain rocky soil with clay, where the flavors' expression will give black tea aromas, with hints of herbal and cedar notes, and the mouthfeel will give structure with velvety tannins and long finish. (Cristóbal Undurraga, winemaker at Koyle winery. Alto Colchagua. Rapel) |
More than 76% of the total Argentina Cabernet Sauvignon is found in Mendoza Warm Weather Cabernet from Maipú achieves a classic profile with aromas of black fruits and spices, while in the mouth it is plentiful with good character. Meanwhile, in Luján de Cuyo, Perdriel and Agrelo are two very prestigious zones thanks to their deep soils of silt, clay and sand. These give the wines good varietal typicity, reminiscent of black fruits and a broad, rounded palate. Cool climate Cabernet from Mendoza's Uco Valley is grown at altitude. Some of these regions can be Winkler II. These high-altitude vineyards with high sun exposure mature slowly, which provide a refreshing natural acidity as well as a tasty freshness as a result of the cold. Uco Valley Cabernet Sauvignon typically receives oak-barrel aging and is occasionally blended with Malbec. This produces sophisticated wines with a velvety texture. Insight provided by winesofargentina. org |
Because of Paso Robles’ ideal climate, location, and growing conditions, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can linger on the vine until their fullest potential until lush ripeness is achieved. The long growing season of this AVA allows this late-ripening variety ample time to develop not only the superb structure that makes it one of the most respected grapes in the world, but a rich, mouthfilling fleshiness that’s admired by winemakers whose growing seasons are shorter.Cabernet fruit from Paso Robles is intense and concentrated with fruit-forward aromas and flavors – similar to its northern counterparts, but with riper and softer tannins. |
Region Website |
winesofchile.org |
winesofargentina .org |
Tucsany ITG Toscana Bolgheri DOC/DOCG Italy |
Stellenbosch South Africa |
|
Climate |
Winkler IV |
Winkler IV |
Rainfall |
23.6 inches of annual rainfall |
23.6 to 79.75 inches of annual rainfall |
Elevation |
Elevation: 315 ft |
164 ft to 2050 ft |
Mean Temperature Summer Winter |
Daily maximum: 84° F (July) Daily minimum: 62° F (July) Daily maximum: 52° F (January) Daily minimum: 36° F (January) |
Daily maximum: 81° F (February) Daily minimum: 60° F (February) Daily maximum: 64° F (July) Daily minimum: 43° F (July |
Soil |
Alluvial soils of fluvial origin, with round pebbles deposited by the ancient waterways. The name Bolgheri Sassicaia (from sasso, meaning rock in italian) comes from this characteristic. There are also soils which originated from the sea, with Aeolian sands, limestone and clay. Volcanic rock soils comes from the Metalliferous Hills to the east. |
Cabernet Sauvignon, more than any other variety, does very well in all the subregions of Stellenbosch. Soils consist of decomposed granite, and some sandstone. Duplex soils common on more low-lying areas, with deeper soils on slopes. |
Characteristics |
Tuscan-grown Cabernet Sauvignon produces sweet plum and cherry flavors. Super Tuscans are also known for tobacco-like oak notes that come from French oak barrel aging (another departure from local tradition). |
Cabernet’s from the higher slopes, particularly in Jonkershoek and Upper Blaauwklippen Valley, tend to be perfumed, with a strong cassis component and serious structure. Cabernet from Banhoek and Simonsberg are a bit more restrained, with more red fruit. Those from the Bottelary and the other hillier areas in the center of Stellenbosch are the easiest to enjoy young, with softer tannins and generous fruit. Those on the south side of those hills are generally a bit spicier and sometimes a bit herbal. Many wines combine fruit from one or more subregions. Overall, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignons are generous on the nose in a way that will be familiar to drinkers of Napa or Australian Cabernet, but with a bit more Bordelais structure on the palate - firm and focused rather than lush or opulent. -- Jim Clarke, Wines of South Africa |
Region Website |
bolgheridoc.com |
wosa.co.za |
Alternatives to Cabernet Sauvignon
• Single Varietal Alternatives
Malbec, Tannat, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Sangiovese
- Blends
- Languedoc (from Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre)
- Chianti
- Brunello di Montalcino
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- Rioja (with high % Tempranillo)
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