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Monday, 28 August 2006 |
There is nearly 8,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Monterey County.
There is nearly 8,000 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Monterey County. This noble variety propagated in the Bordeaux region of France. Recent DNA profiling tells us that Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between the obscure and peppery Cabernet Franc and the lean and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc.
Cabernet Sauvignon grows well in warm areas, but not too hot. Conversely, Cabernet grapes grown in cooler climates produce wines with more herbal characteristics. If the growing conditions are too cool like some non-vintage years in France or most years in Oregon and the Alexander Valley in Napa, the grapes will not fully ripen and the wine will smell of Jalapeno Peppers.
Monterey County produce three distinct styles of Cabernet, each flavor and aroma profile are determinant on where the grapes originate. Carmel Valley is warm and produces Cabernets with great color, firm tannins and loads of dark fruit characteristics. The Central Salinas Valley creates Cabernets that resemble true Bordeaux wines. With a cooler climate, wines from this area tend to be more herbal with hints of clove, olive, dark fruit and mint. The third area is South County which produces wines with soft tannins and intense fruit characteristics. Some of these Cabernets tend to possess a dusty-cocoa flavor and also seem to taste best when consumed young.
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