CABERNETS FROM SPAIN

 

The Cabernet Sauvignon variety is one of the world's most prestigious red grapes. For many aficionados, its prestige is only second to the legendary Pinot Noir from Burgundy.

Most probably, Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Bordeaux region about four centuries ago.

 

At the end of the last century, a team of researchers lead by Dr. Carole Meredith, from the University of California Davis, proved conclusively through DNA recognition techniques that the Cabernet Sauvignon variety was the outcome of a spontaneous crossing between a white grape, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, a red one.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-ripening grape. It produces little, thick-skinned berries which have a high tannin content and plenty of colouring matter. Thus, the wines made from Cabernet are able to withstand long ageing periods in oak barrels, which in turn gives them great potential to improve over the years.

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is extremely versatile and adaptable. The variety is planted all over the world, from its native France to New Zealand, as well as Italy, the US, Chile, Argentina and, of course, Spain.

 

In Spain, the variety has become an almost essential component of the red blends, which benefit from CS ageworthiness and finesse.

 

Besides, in Spain there are also single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon wines that stand comparison with the best international specimens.

 

Here is a selection of wines of both categories.

 

Beginning with the single varietals, Enate Cabernet-Cabernet 2011 is a classic from Somontano produced by Bodegas Enate.

 

Another all-rounder from Somontano, Viñas del Vero Colección Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is crafted by Viñas del Vero.

 

We make a quality leap with Molt Més Que Paraules 2011, an imposing, little-known jewel produced in Pla de Bages by Bodegas Jaumandreu. Extremely limited production.

 

Another classy, confidential Catalan wine, Terrer d'Aubert 2012, by Vinyes del Terrer, comes from an exceptional terroir composed of marine fossils in the region of Tarragona.

 

Comalats Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, by Celler Comalats, is an organic wine coming from altitude vines located in Costers del Segre.

 

Now let's have a look at the blends.

 

Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, Enrique Mendoza Shiraz-Cabernet 2012 is born in Alicante, at the heart of the Mediterranean, and produced by Enrique Mendoza.

 

Señorío de Otazu 2008, from Navarra, is a product of Bodegas Señorío de Otazu that blends CS with Merlot and Tempranillo.

 

From the heart of Castille, Summa Varietalis 2010, by the Marqués de Griñón winery, balances CS with Petit Verdot and Syrah.

 

We end our journey in the northern Catalonian region of L'Empordà. Puntiapart 2013, by Celler La Vinyeta, is a felicitous combination of CS and Samsó (Carignan).

  

Until our next post,

Just enjoy wine.