9 Things to Know About Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a well known red wine that is full in body and has flavor notes of baking spices, cedar, and black current. Do you know these 9 fun facts about Cabernet Sauvignon?

Whether you’re looking for some ideas for a wine trivia night or just want to brush up on your Cabernet Sauvignon knowledge here are 9 fun facts about Cabernet Sauvignon. 

#1 It’s the World’s Most Popular Wine Varietal

That’s right! Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most popular wine varietal. There are 713,575 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted around the world. 

Who can blame people for loving this wine so much? It’s bold fruit flavors and smooth tannins are all brought together in a single sip. 

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#2 Cab is a Cross Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross grape from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

This was not known until 1997 when a group of wine researchers from UC Davis made the discovery. This means that at some point in 17th century France a Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc somehow cross pollinated and created Cabernet Sauvignon. 

This discovery shook up the wine world. No one thought that a white grape like Sauvignon Blanc could create such a bold and dark red. 

#3 It Originated in Bordeaux, France

Cabernet Sauvignon was created and made famous in the Bordeaux wine region. 

France is the largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon but it is the 4th most planted grape in France. In total there are around 126,000 acres of Cab grown in France, about 67,000 is in Bordeaux alone. 

#4 “Green” Flavors

Some Cabernet Sauvignon feature a slightly “green” or herb flavor or aroma to them. 

It makes sense that this wine has some green flavor to it because it comes from the herby and delicious Sauvignon Blanc. However, for many years the “green” or bell pepper flavors from Cab were criticized and winemakers discovered new pruning techniques to reduce the green aromas. 

But, sometimes when you sniff Cabernet Sauvignon the subtle notes of green peppercorn or bell pepper sneak through. 

#5 Cool or Warm Climate

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are pretty durable and can be grown in either cool or warm climates. 

But also it can’t be too warm or too cold. Pretty much you need a little bit of both. Warm days where the grapes and ripen in the sun but cool nights to ensure that they don’t become raisins. 

#6 Chile is the Second Largest Producer of Cabernet Sauvignon

20% of Chiles vineyards are Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. 

Chile’s climate is ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Cabs from Chile often have herbal undertones and are not as fruit-forwards as California Cabs. 

#7 Cabernet Sauvignon Day

The Thursday before Labor Day each year is Cabernet Sauvignon Day. Or at least it became that day in 2010. 

NoCal and Twitter guy, Rick Bakas came up with the idea back in 2010 when he got a bunch of Napa wineries together. Pretty much it started as a marketing tool, but it turned into a holiday! 

#8 Often Found in Blends

Cabernet Sauvignon is often used as a base in many red blends. 

This idea is mostly used in Bordeaux when Cabernet on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux River doesn’t always completely ripen every year. To ensure that the wine is still used and not wasted, they will blend Cabernet and Merlot or Malbec. This helps add the ripen fruit-forward flavors to the wine. 

#9 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the Youngest Grape Varietals

Cabernet has been around for 100s of years. But it is still pretty young compared to other wine varietals.

Cabernet Sauvignon is about 600 years old, the first mentions of it are in the 17th century. In comparison, the first mentions of ancient Riesling were in 1435. Meaning Cabernet Sauvignon is still young compared to most wine varietals. 

In Vino Finito

Did you know all these fun facts about Cabernet Sauvignon? 

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