Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widespread grape variety in the world, from America to Australia, and is the result of a fortunate spontaneous cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, as it summarises in its grapes the best characteristics of both original red and white grape varieties respectively. This is why this widely cultivated and appreciated grape variety, which produces great red wines, deserves to be better known!
Cabernet Sauvignon: origins and meaning of the name
Like many grape varieties, the origins of Cabernet Sauvignon are not completely certain. However, it is certainly in France that the history of this important grape variety saw its first significant developments, having identified its favourite terroir of choice. Towards the end of the 1990s, geneticist Carole Meredith studied its DNA, revealing the cross-breeding from which Cabernet Sauvignon originated, which most likely took place in the 17th century in Bordeaux. The origins of the name derive from the old French word sauvage meaning 'wild', testifying to how this vine grows flourishing and free.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Italy and around the world?
The favourite areas of this grape variety in France are those of Médoc and Graves, while the Italian regions with the best examples of Cabernet Sauvignon are in Tuscany, where since the 1970s the phenomenon of Supertuscan wines has exploded, produced not only from pure Cabernet Sauvignon grapes but also in blends with other grape varieties. The blending is called 'Bordeaux blending' and gives rise to excellent wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah grapes.
The vine's chosen areas in Italy are, in addition to the northern Maremma where DOC Bolgheri Red originates, the Colli Euganei in Veneto, Collio in Friuli, but also Alto Adige, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Sardinia and Sicily.
Cabernet Sauvignon is, as already mentioned, the most widespread grape variety in the world: it is also present in Spain, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, California and New Zealand. In Australia and China it is the most present and popular grape variety. Why is Cabernet Sauvignon so popular? Although the vine needs care as it is susceptible to disease, it is quite hardy and well adaptable, able to transfer the characteristics of the different terroirs of the planet while retaining its own recognisable characteristics, thanks to its strong identity.
Organoleptic characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon
Pure Cabernet Sauvignon wines, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2020 are characterised by a very intense ruby red colour and by fruity aromas of berries and currants and herbaceous notes. The latter herbaceous aromas become more evident with the presence of Cabernet Franc. Alcohol, body and tannin are well present in these wines, which have great potential for ageing and refining in wood, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon to develop interesting tertiary aromas.
Examples of excellent wines that follow in the footsteps of the 'Bordeaux blend' are the 'Terre More Ammiraglia' Maremma Toscana Cabernet DOC and the Bolgheri Superiore DOC 'Ornellaia' 2019: the former made from hand-picked Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah grapes and the latter using Petit Verdot instead of Syrah. These wines express all their elegant and vibrant complexity in the glass, for fruity and pleasant results with a long and intriguing finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon and its best food pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine for pairing, but its favourite is definitely with meat, especially roasts, braised meats and game, and with first courses based on meat sauce. But not only that, this excellent wine also stands out when paired with truffles, sweet and sour meat, cheeses, risotto alla Milanese and soups.
Now that you know all about Cabernet Sauvignon wines, you just have to taste the best labels that the experts at Svinando have selected for you!