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Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme as the "King of Red Wines" in the world of wine and is today the most widely planted noble grape variety on the planet. Its global popularity stems from a fascinating combination of robust resilience in the vineyard and an unmistakable, aristocratic elegance in the glass. Whether as the backbone of legendary Bordeaux blends or as a single-varietal prestige wine from the sun-drenched valleys of California, this grape has shaped modern winemaking history like few others. Its origins are a marvel of nature: for a long time, its provenance remained a mystery until DNA analysis in 1997 revealed that it emerged in the 17th century in southwestern France from a spontaneous cross between the red Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon Blanc varieties.
This illustrious lineage is directly reflected in the wine's character. The most distinctive characteristic is the intense aroma of blackcurrants, the classic "cassis," often accompanied by notes of blackberry, cedar, and graphite. A particular curiosity is the legacy of the white parent grape: if the grapes do not fully ripen, they develop a pronounced note of green bell pepper. On the palate, the wine is typically powerful and structured, characterized by high tannin content and vibrant acidity. These characteristics give it exceptional aging potential, allowing top wines to refine and become more complex over decades.
In the vineyard, this variety reveals itself as a late-ripening diva, requiring ample warmth to reach its full potential. Thanks to its thick skins, however, it is exceptionally well protected against rot, making it attractive to winemakers worldwide. From the gravelly soils of the Médoc to the iron-rich earth of Australia's Coonawarra and the steep slopes of Chile, it has conquered almost every corner of the globe. A historic turning point for its global fame was the renowned "Judgment of Paris" in 1976, when Californian Cabernets triumphed over the French elite in a blind tasting, proving that top-quality wines are no longer confined to European traditions.
Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the "king of red wines" and is the most widely cultivated grape variety in the world.
Origin and ancestry
The variety originated in the 17th century in southwestern France (Bordeaux) through a natural cross between Cabernet Franc (red) and Sauvignon Blanc (white). This was only definitively proven in 1997 through DNA analysis.
It is the basis for world-famous Bordeaux wines such as Château Lafite Rothschild or Château Latour, but is usually blended with Merlot in cuvées.
Characteristic features
The most distinctive characteristic is the aroma of blackcurrants (cassis). This is often complemented by notes of blackberries, cedar, tobacco, and graphite. If the wine is not fully ripe, it exhibits a typical note of green bell pepper, which comes from the parent grape, Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by a high tannin content, strong acidity and a deep, dark color.
Due to their strong tannin structure, these wines have excellent aging potential and can often be stored for decades.
Facts about viticulture
Global cultivation: The grapevine now grows on almost every continent. Leading regions outside of France include Napa Valley (California), Coonawarra (Australia), Chile, and South Africa.
The grapes have a thick skin, making them robust against weather conditions and rot. The variety requires plenty of warmth and buds late to avoid frost damage, but needs a long, mild autumn to fully ripen.
Judgment of Paris (1976)
In a famous blind tasting, Californian Cabernet Sauvignons defeated the established top French wines, marking the international breakthrough for wines from the "New World".