On CTV News, Leanne and I chat about the colourful history of the king of red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine and most planted on the planet — it’s the OG (original gangster) of wines, so to speak.
In 1997, UC Davis researched revealed its parents: the white grape Sauvignon Blanc and the red grape Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc is thinner skinned and early ripening than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Stave & Steel Canadian Whisky Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California, United States
Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied, tannic, sauvignon means savage from the dry tannins.
Tannins = astringency (dry feeling) + bitterness (taste) like you get from oversteeped tea or eating walnuts.
Stave & Steel Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California, United States
On the palate, dry, furry mouth-puckering: the tannins bind with proteins in salvia – each sip tastes drier.
Santa Margherita Lison Pramaggiore Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Veneto D.O.C., Italy
Tannins chain together when you decant it making it taster smoother.
Most famous regions include Bordeaux and California where, if it’s blended, it’s called a Meritage.
Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Penedès, Spain
Cabernet Sauvignon may be blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot.
The wine is featured in the Bottleshock movie, with Alan Rickman which is based on the 1976 The Judgement of Paris blind tasting of French and Californian wines. California won!
El Esteco Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Calchaquí Valley, Argentina
Other regions that do Cabernet Sauvignon well: Australia (with Shiraz), Chile, Argentina (with Malbec), and South Africa.
Aromas found in Cabernet Sauvignon include black fruit, oak, spice, violets, leather, and tobacco.
Strewn Winery Strewn Three Terroir
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario VQA, Canada
When Cabernet Sauvignon goes wrong it smells like bell pepper or weeds (because it’s unripe or over-cropped). The bell pepper is methoxypyrazine, and can be reduced with more pruning of the leaves.
Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Mendoza, Argentina
Food pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon include: lamb, meat dishes, and hard cheeses. Avoid spicy, hot food – tannin and alcohol clash, and avoid delicate seafood.
Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California, United States
Use Bordeaux glass to serve Cabernet Sauvignon, at room temperature, decant or age.
Domain Mega Spileo Grand Cave Cabernet Sauvignon
Achaia P.G.I., Greece
Bodegas Goru Gold Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2017
Jumilla D.O.P., Spain
Clooney Ridge Winery Devil’s Kiss Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
California, United States
Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
California, United States
Posted with permission of CTV
