Origin: There are several theories about the origin of the world-famous red wine variety. It could be an ancient variety that was already called Briturica by Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD). However, the origin of the variety is also assumed to be in the Spanish Rioja.

Interbreeding: Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural interbreeding of the varieties Cabernet Franc × Sauvignon Blanc.

Characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon has an upright and vigorous growth. It has a late bud burst time and therefore usually escapes the spring frosts. Side shoot growth is low, which means that the amount of foliage work is less than with comparable varieties. The sparse foliage results in a well-aerated grape zone. The grapes ripen very late. The variety can produce high yields, so it is important to regulate the yield to ensure good quality.

Grape: The grape is usually conical to cylindrical and mostly shouldered. It has a medium size and a loosened arrangement with good stem firmness. The berries are roundish, small and bluish-black in colour. The skin of the berry is robust and firm, which gives Cabernet Sauvignon a low susceptibility to botrytis and allows the grapes to ripen for a long time on the vine.

Wine: The wines of this variety are characterised by tannins and, at full ripeness, by their diverse aromas, including blackcurrant, roasted aromas, liquorice, walnut as well as wood and tobacco notes. They show excellent ageing potential and are particularly well suited to prolonged ripening in barriques or wooden barrels. If the grapes are not fully ripe, unripe, grassy aromas and hard tannins can dominate.

Cultivation: The variety does not require a demanding soil, but it does have very high demands on the location. To avoid unripe, green-grassy wines, early and warm vineyard sites with good water supply are required. 

KLONE

We carry the only approved German clone 1 Gm as standard in our variety programme.