Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety from the Bordeaux
region which is most common on the left bank region (Médoc and Graves) but
which is only rarely found on the right bank because it doesn’t always reach
its full maturity, thus lending wines composed of this variety a certain
hardness. In contrast, on the left bank, thanks to a less dense soil that
allows the heat that has built up in the earth during the day to be released
more easily at night-time, the ripening process is quicker and more balanced.
This variety can therefore ripen fully. In order to arrive at the ideal stage
of ripeness, a very dry and sunny climate is needed, as the 2005 vintage
demonstrates. Cabernet Sauvignon is not very high yielding,
but produces wine ideal for long term cellaring and offers rich tannins and
complex aromas. It generally produces medium-sized, relatively compact clusters
with dark, thick-skinned grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is
frequently married with Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties and in smaller
quantities, with the Petit Verdot variety.
Cabernet sauvignon is also called bidure, cabernet petit,
petit bouchet, petit cabernet, petite vidure, sauvignon rouge or
sauvignonne.
The others Bordeaux grape varieties
The red :
- Cabernet franc
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Malbec
- carménèreThe white :
- Sauvignon
- Sémillon
- muscadelle
