The Grape: You may have heard of it: Cabernet Sauvignon. Often referred to as simply "Cab", this is one of the quintessential wine varietals. From a humble beginning as an accidental cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc (say that three times fast), it is now produced in nearly every major wine region in the world. Cab fairs better in warm climates, but even in New Hampshire some of the vineyards produce it with success. Of all red grapes, only Merlot is more widely planted.
Key Characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its powerful presence. Flavors will depend largely on the origin of the wine: New World Cabs are more fruity while Old World ones tend toward earthiness. This is because the climate of most New World wine regions is warmer and slightly drier, allowing the grapes to ripen further before harvest. It is a wine with strong tannins that pick up on aspects of the terroir very well, resulting in a wide flavor spectrum.
That said, there are a few common threads. Cabs tend to be bold, with heavy flavors of fruits, notably black currant, that are masked to a varying extent by the tannins. They also display some light vegetal or herb notes - green pepper and mint are common. This combination strengthens when winemakers blend Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from different stages of ripeness, creating a wine that is complex but easy-to-please.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a great litmus test for your red wine tastes. If you're a fan, Cab serves as a gateway to some real heavy hitters of the red kingdom. If not, you likely prefer less aggressive reds.
Love it? Try Zinfandel (particularly of the Old Vine variety), Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, and any of the copious red blends that rely on Cabernet Sauvignon as a base. If you like these but want more fruit, Petit Syrah is for you. More spice? Try a Chilean Carmenere.
Not for you? Look into Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Tempranillo
Remember: with the holiday weekend approaching, it is more important than ever to observe careful driving practices. So always know who's driving, and consider combining a wine tasting with dinner or outdoor activities nearby.
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