02/06/07 Cabernet Sauvignon

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. On today's program we are going to talk about Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon, thought by many to be the King of Red grapes, is the prodigy of the cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is the dominant grape in the blending of Bordeax from the Medoc region of France and is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It has an ability to age well in the bottle and is sought after by collectors. It appears to grow best in sites that are well-drained and have rather poor soil and a semi-arid climate with lots of sun. Areas with either too rich a soil, not enough sun or too much rainfall etc. will end in wines with rather vegetal qualities that are not what I appreciate in good Cabernet Sauvignon. The best examples will exhibit characteristics of currant, blackberry and cherry. It has a rich strength and firmness of texture and flavor accompanied by an acidity that gives way to some tannin astringency which usually lessens as it ages. The scents of vanilla smoke or toast will come from the oak  the result of barrel age. As it bottle ages it will likely develop characteristics of leather, earth, cigar box and the like. All in all well made Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most interesting and potentially rewarding wines to collect and age. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.