Wine for sale: Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is prolific in the Médoc (Pauillac in particular) and Graves although it is gaining ground on the right bank too, although Merlot and Cabernet Franc remain the dominant varieties here. Bordeaux accounts for 60% of all Cabernet Sauvignon production in France. Elsewhere, this variety is found in the South West (Bergerac and Buzet), the Loire Valley, the Languedoc Roussillon and Provence. Cabernet Sauvignon is also grown in Tuscany, where it is blended with Sangiovese to make “Super Tuscans” and in California, Australia, South Africa and South America. Wines produced from this variety are recognisable for their aromas of pepper as well as for their vegetal and menthol notes. Cabernet Sauvignon is slow to ripen and requires much heat and sunshine to flourish. Soil type is important too an in Bordeaux it likes gravel rich soil. Médoc and Pessac-Léognan on the estuary of the left bank are two appellations where Cabernet thrives. It can be used for single varietal wines or in blends, most notably with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo or Sangiovese. Generally, it does well to be aged for a long time in oak barrels, as this helps soften the tannins.