What Is Cabernet Sauvignon?

• A robust wine, cabernet sauvignon is grown in many different regions around the world. Its versatility in different climates makes it a wine that expresses the terroir -- or specific growing qualities -- of the region from which it is grown and produced. French cabernet sauvignon, for instance, possesses different characteristics from that of Chilean-grown versions of the same wine. The best regions for cabernet sauvignon are Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. In the US, California cabernet sauvignon may contain a blend of up to 25 percent of its volume of another varietal, typically merlot or cabernet Franc. The end result is a wine full of dark fruit flavors and a peppery quality that makes it a delightful accompaniment to meals.

Bold Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon

• Wine is often described in terms of its tannins and acidity. Tannins come from the skin, seeds and stems of grapes. Because red wines have more exposure to these parts during the fermentation process, they have a higher level of tannins than white wines. Tannins are felt at the middle of the tongue and give the wine its dry quality. Acidity, like tannins, can be manipulated by the winemaker during fermentation. If a wine is too acidic, it can taste tart or sour. If a wine isn’t acidic enough, it tastes flat and dull. To combat the high levels of tannins and acidity that naturally occur in California cabernet sauvignon grapes, the wine is usually softened with merlot or cabernet Franc.

Merlot Mellows the Edges

• Cabernet sauvignon is a highly acidic wine, which means that it can taste tart or sour if not blended with another varietal. Sweeter than cabernet sauvignon, Merlot is used to soften its sometimes harsh acidity. Merlot is a varietal that shares geographical similarities with cabernet sauvignon and has traditionally been used as a blending wine with Bordeaux-style wines since its botanical classification in the 1850s. Merlot also helps to shorten the aging time that cabernet sauvignon needs due to its elevated tannins and acidity.

Cabernet Franc Richens the Wine

• One of the other characteristics of cabernet sauvignon is its tendency to lack the richness that other red varietals possess. The addition of cabernet Franc gives the wine more depth, especially during poor growing seasons that leave cabernet sauvignon with too much acidity and not enough fruit flavors. Cabernet Franc is a varietal that has been grown in the Bordeaux region of France since the seventh century. Because it has a lighter body than cabernet sauvignon, cabernet Franc is often used to soften the tannins of the wine, while giving it a hint of earthiness.