Cab Sav
By Ian • Mar 11th, 2008 • Category: Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon was the world’s most widely grown red wine grape until the 1990s when Merlot took over.
Originally from the Bordeaux region of France, it’s a relatively new variety which was produced by an accidental crossing of Savignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc in the 17th century.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy and easily cultivated variety that ripens late and benefits from a long growing season. Its ability to grow in a wide variety of climates and soil types have made it popular in all wine growing regions.
Cabernet Sauvignon ages well and can often improve into a truly great wine, possibly contributing to its slightly snobby status.
Cabernet Sauvignon became popular in Australia in the 1960s. The Coonawarra region with its long, cool growing season is perfect with excellent wines also coming from Margaret River and the Barossa. Australian Cabernet Sauvignon is often produced as a fine, single variety wine as our climate allows full ripening of the fruit.
Traditionally, due to the cooler Bordeaux climate it is blended with other wines, particularly Merlot. Uniquely in Australia it is sometimes blended with Shiraz.
