Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous wines in the world. It got its name from the corresponding grape variety. Actually, thanks to him, it has become so widespread around the world. Red cabernet Sauvignon (Cabernet Sauvignon) steadily occupies a leading position in sales and consumption.
Grape
The hybrid is called the king of grapes. It belongs to the wine varieties and is a representative of the ecological and geographical group of Western European varieties. It is used for the production of red wines. Not a single wine industry has ignored it.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety is the result of a cross between a white Sauvignon Blanc and a red Cabernet Franc (American scientists established this in 1996). They suggested that the cultivation was carried out in the seventeenth century in French vineyards in Bordeaux.
According to the reviews of wine growers, the variety has a set of unique properties:
- Unpretentious, perfectly adapts to any climatic conditions. It does not require complicated cultivation.
- Resistant to disease. Virtually unaffected by gray rot and mildew. It withstands raids by pests such as phylloxera and bunchwort.
- Frost resistant. It tolerates drought. Productivity is not reduced - reduced in the size of the berries.
- Grown in different conditions retains its uniqueness. The aroma and taste of the variety are recognizable, despite the striking differences in climatic conditions and soil composition.
- Late ripening (berries ripen rather slowly). This gives winemakers a wide selection of harvest dates. Although in a cold climate, incomplete ripening is quite possible.
- The geography of cultivation is from Argentina to Canada. Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated in Spain, the USA, Australia, France, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand.
- The berries are small with large grains and thick peels. According to professionals, they give astringency to wine and a deep, rich color.
Useful
Endless debates about the dangers and benefits of wine consumption have forced scientists to deal closely with this issue. At Columbia University, numerous studies have shown that:
- wine can slow the growth of dangerous bacteria in the human digestive system;
- the drink can be used as a prophylactic against tooth decay;
- the combination of such acids as citric, acetic, lactic, malic, succinic in wine allows you to use hot mulled wine during colds or sore throats;
- wine inhibits cholera and tuberculosis bacteria;
- beneficial effect on the heart muscle due to the natural component of resveratrol (slows down its aging);
- high melatonin content allows the drink to be used as sleeping pills;
- antitumor and antioxidant properties of wine significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer;
- the drink removes salts from the body;
- helps to cope with anemia.
Due to some features of the influence of wine on the human body, it is not recommended to consume it before the end of the working day. Even with a slight sensation of intoxication, one should not go to bed.
Despite all of the above positive properties of red wine, the abuse of an alcoholic beverage can lead to irreversible consequences and complete degradation of the individual.
Scent
Tasters note that the main aromas of this sort of wine are fruit: blackcurrant, ripe cherry and blackberry. Shades depend on the manufacturer and the specific location of the vine. Changes in flavor and long-term exposure.
Classical wines boast rich fruit aromas with distinct sharp notes of pepper - from green Bulgarian to black.
European wines are distinguished by grassy-floral shades. According to professionals, they can hear graphite, tobacco, violet, licorice.
But the American continent - say tasters - fills the product with aromas of cherries, black pepper and licorice, emphasizing them with the subtle smell of vanilla.
Color
Young wine Cabernet Sauvignon dark red. It has a pronounced purple hue. But over the years, color changes. After several years of aging, the drink acquires a deep ruby or pomegranate color.
Drinking culture
Food lovers claim that Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with meat and fatty dishes. It can be consumed with a hamburger, beef steak or mushroom pizza. A classic combination of wine with stewed ribs. Beef stroganoff under mushroom sauce will emphasize the berry notes of this type of alcohol.
Experts do not recommend combining cabernet Sauvignon with chocolate. The powerful taste of sweets simply “crush” the fruity hue.
Wine Cabernet Sauvignon (reviews confirm this) with moderate use does not get too intoxicating. It fills the body with energy. No wonder he was loved both by the Knights Templar and the Druids.
It's curious
Cabernet Sauvignon is so widespread throughout the world that its plantations occupy almost 270 thousand hectares:
- France - 50,000 ha;
- Chile - 40 500 ha;
- USA - 40,000 ha;
- Australia - 26,000 ha;
- South Africa - 16,500 ha;
- Argentina - 6500 ha.
Under US law, Cabernet Sauvignon can contain no more than 75% of the same grape variety. This allows you to improve the aroma of the product and increase its value.
The high price of a bottle of wine depends on the cost of grapes. From one ton of raw materials, you can prepare up to 750 bottles of the drink. For comparison: the price per ton of Cabernet Sauvignon can reach $ 6,000, and for the Merlot variety (under equal growing conditions) - $ 1300.
On the last Thursday of August around the world celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon Day. Mass wine tasting takes place in all major cities of the wine regions. The holiday is very young, it has been celebrated only since 2010.
The unusual aroma of green bell pepper provides a microscopic content in wine of the organic compound pyrazine.
This variety is one of the most prolific. With an area of 0.5 hectares, you can collect up to 3.5 tons of berries.
The endurance of grapes is evidenced by the fact that it is grown in the Gobi desert (its Chinese part).