The Dirt on (and Under) Cabernet Sauvignon

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In the Spotlight

Bordeaux takes the spotlight with regard to fame, price and longevity. Of course, it is always blended there. Napa was the first to have a go at the gold, winning the (in)famous 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.

However, more and more, producers and consumers seem to be growing disillusioned with this bruiser. It takes over vineyards arguably better suited to local varieties and makes marketers swoon with its consumer magnetism. Does Cabernet Sauvignon really make the noblest red wines in the world, or do we simply think it does because we drink so much of it (because it is so widely planted…and because we can pronounce it)? This is a question each palate must determine separately. So, go forth, taste and ponder the wines of Cabernet Sauvignon!

Cabernet Sauvignon image via Shutterstock

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Comments

gustavoa

130884 1

I can see this to have some true, I am a Cabernet lover and on the white wines side I had always prefer Sauvignon Blanc.
Cheers

Dec 04, 2012 at 1:35 PM
EMark

Hand of Snooth

847804 2,887

Very interesting article. Thank you.

Dec 04, 2012 at 6:20 PM
Johnkempmo-
ore

1163848 23

What an enjoyable,concise and well written article. Thanks.

Dec 04, 2012 at 6:49 PM
Davodownun-
der

125064 84

Wow! Sauvignon Blanc. I would never have guessed.

Dec 04, 2012 at 11:13 PM
zinfandel1

Hand of Snooth

154660 690

Love the article.
My question is: What did cabernet franc lack as far as not being able to be competitive with cabernet sauvignon?

Dec 12, 2012 at 8:55 PM
Christy-
Canterbury-
MW

Hand of Snooth

1060100 41,254

Zinfandel1, To be PC, it's not that CF "lacks" something but rather that it's just different. In fact, in the vineyard, CF offers some important pluses over CS. CF ripens more easily & is more resistant to inclement weather at harvest. However, CF has less color and less structure (despite its bright acidity) than CS. Also, CS produces more flavor power than CF in milder climates like Bordeaux. So, essentially, CS is better equipped for longer aging.

Dec 13, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Christy-
Canterbury-
MW

Hand of Snooth

1060100 41,254

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments! Glad you enjoyed this piece.

Dec 13, 2012 at 8:43 AM