The Queen of Reds

Also known as Petit Cabernet, Vidure or Petit Vidure: the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is characterized for its body, flavor and aroma. It is of French origin, from the Bordelais area and is considered the undisputed queen among black grapes. The wine produced is catalogued as the king in the red  wine category.

It is a worthy representative of the wine production on the Atlantic coast, which together with Cabernet Fran and Merlot, form the three wine pillars of de Burdeos.

Certain genetic studies have demonstrated that this variety descends from a natural combination of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is a variety that adapts to warm climates and better still in dry or well-ventilated areas. In the north, the grape prefers areas well exposed to the sun on hillsides with light soils, and above all in valleys. It does not grow in excessively fertile and humid soils that induce great vigor and lignification difficulties.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape adapts well to different types of cutting bearing weather conditions in mind. Production is regular, constant and mature in the fall.

 

 

The Cabernet Sauvignon vine is one of the noblest varieties that has the greatest resistance. That is why it can be found on the five continents because of its easy adaptation to all kinds of climates. Its berries are small, spherical, thick-skinned and hard with a dark black pigment. Its pulp is firm, crunchy, with an astringent flavor and a peculiar taste that is reminiscent of sorb apples.

The vine is very homogeneous and is characterized its dense and aristocratic tannins, its dark color, it complex fruit aromas, its elegant structure and suitability for cultivation.  Its fruits are intensely colored and covered and are tannic in their youth; however, when they open, they develop an unmistakable range of aromas. Flowers such as violets and roses, fruits such as cranberries, currants, strawberries and blackberries ices such as green pepper, vanilla and coffee. Some aromas remind us of dark chocolate and leather.

With cultivation, the aromas become more complex with hints of smoke, cedar, creosote, incense, licorice and perfume of truffle.  Exciting! 

 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is an intense red color, with violet nuances, with an aromatic body and a slight and characteristic herbaceous flavor.

Many specialists believe that it is preferable to produce mono-variety wines, but in some regions it is usual to mix Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties: in Burdeos, Merlot is combined with Cabernet Franc; in Toscaza, with Sangiovese and in Australia, with Shiraz.  Winemaking with these varieties notably improves the organoleptic characteristics, producing world-famous wines as a result.

This delicious wine can be enjoyed with a Viña Chilcaya Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Especial accompanied with red meats, well flavored and baked dishes, highlighting the flavor of the food and heightening the enjoyment of a delicious wine. Bon Appetit!.   

 

* Ernesto Peña is the Ambassador of Wine for Latin America of Ernest & Julio Gallo, the second-largest Californian winemaker in the world, located in Modesto, California into the Valley of Sonoma, selling more than 12 million cases in 93 countries.

 

 

Text: Ernesto Peña ± Photo: Monte Xanic.