Cabernet Sauvignon
This vine represents the most cultivated grape variety in the world and produces powerful wines with great aging potential.
Cultivation
Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the French wine-growing region of Bordeaux. It is a cross naturally between the Cabernet Franc and the Sauvignon Blanc. The grape variety prefers locations with mild, temperate climate and little temperature fluctuations. Therefore, Germany is not ideally suited as a location for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Place value
Worldwide, more than 310,000 hectares are planted with this important grape variety. In Germany, the figure was only about 471 ha in 2021. The main growing areas for this grape variety in Germany are in the Palatinate and Rheinhessen. In the other wine-growing regions, this variety is grown only in very small quantities. In Rheinhessen, about 119 ha* (2019) are currently planted with Cabernet Sauvignon. In Harxheim, it has only been recorded statistically since 2011. In 2021, its share here has increased to 1.3 ha* (1.7%).
History
The vine was mentioned in documents in 1635. In Germany, the cultivation of this vine has been permitted as experimental cultivation since 1987. Until the end of the 20th century, the area under Cabernet Sauvignon was still so small that it is not mentioned separately in any statistics. Only in the last 20 years have the areas under cultivation slowly increased.
Vinification
Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a dark red color and high tannin content. This makes them ideal for barrique aging and allows them to be stored for a very long time. Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal blending partner and as such can be found in many red wines around the world.
Pleasure
The typical aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon are black currants and hints of green bell pepper. Since the grape has a strong berry skin and many seeds, it has a very pronounced tannin structure. Cabernet Sauvignon is well suited to dishes with dark sauces, lamb or beef. But it is also an excellent companion to game dishes.
As of 01/31/2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, German Wine Institute 2023, https://www.deutscheweine.de/wissen/rebsorten/rote-rebsorten/cabernet-sauvignon/
Cabernet Sauvignon Wikipedia 2023 https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Sauvignon
Chamber of Agriculture Rhineland-Palatinate, EU vineyard register, status 2022
