Join Our Newsletter:   
First Name:  
Email:  
  

     

Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes are a variety of Red Wine Grape used for wine production. Much like the Chardonnay Grape, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in most of the world's major wine regions such as France, Italy, America, Chile and Australia. (see also History Of Cabernet Sauvignon)

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have a particularly thick skin and thus results in wines high in tannin which provides both structure and age-ability. The thick skin on Cabernet Sauvignon grapes also means that they are very resilient to attacks by most types of insects.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow on a vigorous vine that grows quite easily in a variety of different soils. However, to ripen properly it does require well drained soils. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow best in places where it can get a lot of sunshine, like California's Napa Valley. (see also Napa Merlot) Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are mainly grown in the Bordeaux region of France and this variety of grape needs a long growing season to ripen properly.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which have been grown in warm climates tend to produce wines with flavors of black currant. Cherries and other red berries are not uncommon either. Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes which have been grown in cooler climates tend to have more herbaceous notes, like that of eucalyptus and green peppers. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are also sometimes blended with Merlot Grapes to provide an easy drinking wine which is lower in tannin.

California is the second largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the world. The Bordeaux region in France is the largest. California's Sonoma County in particular offers a near-perfect climate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. (see Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon) Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are usually harvested in October when they are ripest. Leaving them to ripen for longer can mean the difference between an average vintage and a great vintage.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in many places around the world with practically every region having a slightly different taste to it, often with spectacular results. So, don't be afraid to experiment with the Cabernet Sauvignon Wines from different regions. You might just find a wine worth telling all your friends about. (see Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Recommendations)

Are you interested in growing your own grapes at home? If so, I can personally recommend this book by Danie Wium. I recently began growing my own grapes for use in winemaking and this book was an invaluable tool along the way.