Cabernet Sauvignon is the most cultivated grape in the world and, probably, most of the wine lovers distinguish its main characteristics: ruby color, spicy and black cherries' taste, high tannins and great potential for ageing.
The grape can provide one of the best red wines, but only if it is a late ripening. Hence, it is grown in warmer areas of Europe (France, Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe), Chile, Australia, Argentina and the US. Our focus would be Cabernet Sauvignon from Romania and Moldova, an why this "international grape" has got so much popularity.
Join us as we delve into the world of Cabernet Sauvignon, where each bottle tells a tale of passion, patience, and unparalleled complexity.
Origins
For a very long time, the origin of Cabernet Sauvignon was unknown, until the researchers from University of Bordeaux (France) have discovered that it is crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Certainly, in the second half of the XVIII century, the grape was already widely cultivated in Bordeaux, being called Bidura. maybe for this reason, Bordeaux is considered the homeland of Cabernet Sauvignon, especially in the Medoc sub-region.
The growing center of the grape is at Pauillac, the area providing the best wines of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. As greatly mentioned Karen MacNeil in "The Wine Bible", "Pauillac is music to the ears of Bordeaux lovers", and we cannot agree more.
Currently there are more than 310,000 hectares with Cabernet Sauvignon globally, with Top 5 countries as follows (source University of Adelaide):
- France - 46,555 ha
- Chile - 42,409 ha
- United States - 40,837 ha
- China - 40,300 ha
- Australia - 23,987 ha
In this research, Moldova is ranked 12th with 8,169 ha and Romania 13th with 5,359 ha.
Wine styles and aromas
Cabernet Sauvignon provides a complex wine, which impress through the richness of aromas. Good acidity, full body and long-finish of tannins, makes the wine a good partner for blending with Merlot, Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. But in some countries or regions it is preferred as single varietal too.
Back to our selected two countries, Romania and Moldova, Andrei Popa, Romanian sommelier and Dor de Vin co-owner, has provided us few insights on Romanian wines of Cabernet Sauvignon, and let's explore them.
- Lacerta Winery - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, 2014: A dry, well-balanced, full-bodied and ruby color wine; on the nose, many fruits (currants, blackberries, dried plum), tobacco, chocolate and wood; on the palate, high acidity and tannins, with a long aftertaste.
- Agape - Ichor Reserve, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon: A dry, elegant and strong wine, aged in French oak barrique for 18 months; on the nose, bitter and candied cherries, plums, vanilla, licorice, chocolate; on the palate, strong tannins, high acidity, full-bodied wine.
- Crama de Piatra - Aldavin, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon: A dry red, aged in Romanian oak barrique for 12 months; on the nose, bitter cherries, blackberries and raspberry,with notes of tobacco, chocolate, vanilla and licorice; on the palate, medium acidity, high tannins, full-bodied wine with a long and velvety finish.
If the Romania wines chosen were single varietal, from the Moldovan range we have chosen two relevant blends, and here they are:
- Purcari Wineries Group - Negru de Purcari 2020: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Saperavi (40%) and Rara Neagra (5%) aged 18 months in French oak barrique; on the nose, an intense bouquet, with notes of sweet fruits (ripe plums and figs), with notes of fine spices; on the palate, balanced acidity, high tannins with a pleasant and velvety aftertaste. Negru de Purcari was the first Moldovan wine to receive the Gold Award at Paris Wine fair in 1878!
- Radacini Wines - Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot 2021: Aged 6 months in French oak barrique is a ful-bodied and complex wine; on the nose, black cherries, currants and tobacco; on the palate, rich and elegant taste, medium-to-high tannins, with pleasant and delicate finish.
Pairing
The bold texture of Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with beef or pork steak, with red sauce, pork or beef ribs, game meat with baked vegetables, aged cheeses, cedar, duck with cabbage in the oven.
Instead of conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a timeless emblem of wine excellence, captivating both novices and connoisseurs alike with its rich tapestry of flavors and centuries-old heritage. From its origins in the Bordeaux vineyards to its global reign as a premier varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon has woven itself into the fabric of wine culture, embodying sophistication, depth, and refinement.
Let us continue to explore, to celebrate, and to cherish the timeless allure of Cabernet Sauvignon!
Enjoy it responibly!