| Cabernet Sauvignon pronounced 'ka-behr-NAY | | | | areas which are semi arid with well drained, |
| soh-vihn-YOHN (soh-vee-NYAWN)' is the most | | | | moderately fertile soils. |
| widely grown variety of red grapes. Most of the | | | | The grapes go through 4 stages during the |
| world's popular red wines are exclusively made | | | | growing season, before being harvested. They |
| for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Genetically, it is a | | | | are harvested when the tannins have reached full |
| hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. | | | | maturity with grape flavor is at a peak along with |
| The Cabernet Sauvignon grape berries are small, | | | | the sugar level required to provide the right |
| thick skinned dark colored variety which turns | | | | quantity of alcohol. |
| purplish when ripe. Thickly clustered and tough skin | | | | The unmistakable deep red of Bordeaux wines is |
| makes them resistant to disease, insects and | | | | due to Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. With |
| spoilage while they can withstand rain with little | | | | unmistakable black current/black cherry flavors |
| damage to the clusters. The hard wood of the | | | | and subtle aromas of processing bouquets of |
| vines helps it survive cold winters while the vines | | | | cedar, herbs, bell peppers, olives, musk, ginger are |
| bud late, past the spring frost. | | | | commonly available. |
| Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation needs very sunny | | | | Due to its natural affinity to oak, it is aged in Oak |
| weather while the soil type best suitable is gravel | | | | barrels for 18 to 36 months. The barrels are |
| soil that is well drained to reduce moisture. Best | | | | charred lending the aged wine a smoky flavor |
| areas to grow Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are | | | | within the framework of acidity and tannins. |