Cabernet is the name that would most probably spring to mind when thinking about "C is for…", though I could have chosen California, Champagne, Chardonnay, Cognac, Chile... .  All of these are important names in the world of wine, but without doubt, Cabernet is King.

When people talk about Cabernet, they are generally referring to Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the "noble varietals".  However, despite its dominance in the market-place, it is not that old in wine-terms.  Whilst Syrah/Shiraz is thought to date back several thousand years to its roots in Persia, Cabernet Sauvignon goes back only a few hundred years.  It has also been recently established that Cabernet Sauvignon is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Nevertheless, it has spread rapidly from its ancestral home in Bordeaux, and is by far the world's most planted top-quality varietal, now being found in most red-wine growing areas of the world.

Cabernet Sauvignon has a distinctive blackberry fruit flavour, and a great affinity for French oak from which it picks up a typical cigar-box aroma.

It has good tannin structure because of the relatively large pip, coupled with a small berry size, and thick skins.  These also contribute to the depth of colour for which the better-made cabernets are renowned.  It does not possess the "up-front" fruity characteristics so typical of say, Australian Shiraz, but rather develops more subtle fruit flavours that evolve during its maturation, a combination of fermentation, alcohol, and wood.

Its traditional stronghold is on the left bank of the Gironde river in Bordeaux, whilst the right bank is Merlot country.  Here you will find the regions of St-Estephe, Pauillac, St-Julien, and Margaux among others.  Bordeaux wines are invariably blends of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with varying amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and/or Petit Verdot added to the mix.  Cabernet Sauvignon provides the frame, and Merlot the flesh, but it is not only this natural fit that resulted in the success of the blend.  It is also a form of "insurance policy" as Merlot ripens much earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon.  Adverse weather conditions earlier in the season could affect the quality and yield of the Merlot, or the Cabernet later in the season.

In South Africa, Stellenbosch definitely produces the best of Cabernets, with names such as Thelema, Kanonkop, Rust en Vrede, Le Riche, Rustenburg all to the fore.  Although they may not possess the maturation potential of their French counterparts there have certainly been examples of these wines still drinking beautifully after more than 20 years (provided they have been properly cared for!).  Other fine examples of Cabernet available on Wines Online are from estates such as Ridgeback, Nitida, Bilton, Jordan, Groot Constantia and High Constantia.

A well-matured magnum or two of quality Cabernet Sauvignon, coupled with mouth-wateringly tender fillet steak and great company, should provide one of those magical moments that really do make life worth living.

For all of your Cabernet requirements, or information on any other wines, please contact your nearest Manuka Fine Wine Boutique.

Stephen Digby
Manuka @ Southeys