Some Basic Facts About Cabernet Sauvignon

Country of Origin

The country of origin of Cabernet Sauvignon is Bordeaux, France.

Areas where it is grown?

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in United States, Chile, Argentina, France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Color of the wine?

The wine color is dark ruby red.

Characteristics of Wine?

A typical Cabernet Sauvignon wine  is a medium to full body with strong tannins. It is dry (low on sweetness), with medium acidity. The wine is generally characterized as dark and dense whereas the wine coming from cool climate has flavours of Asparagus whereas medium climate wines has mint and eucalyptus flavours.

Serving and Storing

The ideal temperature for serving this wine is around 17-19 degree Celsius. If the temperature at which the wine is served is above the optimum temperature, wine will not produce the desirable taste. The wine needs to be opened 3-6 hours before serving which is due to presence of high level of tannins, it needs an additional time to open itself and time to breathe before being savoured.  

Type of Glass used?

A Bordeaux glass is most suitable to serve Cabernet Sauvignon. As it has wider opening it helps in releasing more flavours in the wine after the wine gets in contact with the air.

Food Pairing

Cabernet Sauvignon wonderfully pairs with steak and with dark chocolate. Steak is rich in proteins and fats and Cabernet Sauvignon acts as a scraper which removes the proteins and fats present on the tongue and compliments it well. The wine can also be paired with beef, game and hard cheese. Is normally paired with multi-flavoured dishes as it has sweetness in it.

Oldest Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard

The oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard of the world is Kalimna Vineyard - Block 42 in Australia. The vines were planted around 1886 which makes it more than 125 years old. The vineyard is owned by Penfolds, Australia’s famous wine brand.

Most Expensive Wine in the world

1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is the most expensive wine in the world sold at an auction at a price of $500,000 in the year 2000.

Know Your Fortified Wines- The Port Wine of Portugal

Port Wines is a fortified wine produced in Douro Valley in Portugal. Outside Portugal, it is produced in Canada, Argentina, France, United States, Australia, and India.

From where did Port Wine get its name?

Port Wine got its name from ‘Porto’ port on the Douro river, which was the place where the port wine used to be exported to other countries in Europe in 17^th Century.

Grape Varieties

Tinta Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Francesa, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Nacional are the grape varieties from which Port Wine is produced. Touriga Francesa is the most widely grown port grape.

Preparation of Port Wine

Port Wine is produced from the grapes grown especially from Douro region of Portugal. 

During the making of port wine, it is not allowed to complete fermentation. Incomplete fermentation leaves the residual sugar behind and fortification is done by adding grape spirit ‘Aguardente’ which increases the alcohol content after which the wine is stored in barrels and aged before bottling.

Types of Port Wine

·         Tawny Port is made from red grapes. Gradual Oxidation and evaporation in wooden barrels’ results in a golden-brown color wine with a nutty flavor. Consumed as a dessert wine. Tawny port goes best with Stilton, King of English Cheese, Jalapenos and Cheddar. Also pairs well with Apple, Cream, and Almond tarts.

·         Ruby Port is the cheapest and most widely produced port. Does not generally improve with age. Pairs well with Dark Chocolate truffles.

·         Rose Port is fermented like rose wine but during fermentation little exposure to grape skin imparts it rose color.

·         Colheita Port is aged in tawny style for at least for 7 years.

·         White Port is an excellent choice to create cocktails.

·         Crusted Port is a blend of port wine from several different vintages.

Port Wine in Australia

In Australia, according to a change in Wine Australia Corporation Act 1980, ‘Port’ word is no longer used with the Port Wine, which is used especially port wines coming from Portugal, but rather called ‘Vintage, ruby and tawny fortified’.