Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the ‘noble’ grape varieties and the major constituent of most of those sought-after First Growth clarets. Its main flavours include blackcurrant and cassis fruit, with tobacco and cedar wood notes appearing with age. Traditionally it is blended with other varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but these days it is equally seen as a single varietal wine from all over the New World. It is by far the most widely planted ‘quality’ vine variety in the world, and, in the right hands and from the right site, it produces some of the world’s most complex  and outstanding red wines.

Photo credit: California  Wine Institute