Digiboy complained to me this week that tasting notes didn't mean anything to him yet, so how was he supposed to remember the various wine styles I gave last time? We started again with the key grape varieties and this is the first we (well, he!) came up with...
Cabernet Sauvignon is like a professional rugby player. Actually, it's like a team of rugby players! Here's why:
You can generally presume that all professional rugby players have certain elements in common: they are all full in body, fairly heavy, well-structured and their playing quality is generally going to be pretty good, no matter which country they play for. There are the Forwards that pack a bigger punch and are full and fruity, as well as the Backs who are more refined, lean and elegant. Then there is everything in between.
Cabernet is the wine version of this: full bodied, well structured with decent texture and heavier than most. It's pretty reliable from just about anywhere, although the style will vary slightly according to country and region. Remember my climate tip:
Hot = big and fruity!
Cool = elegant and restrained!
Here's my Wine Language Tasting Tour to help compare some Cabernets from different countries:
Start with Australia, then try a Southern French Vin De Pays, possibly followed by a Cabernet from Eastern Europe and finally, one from Bordeaux.
Bottom's up!
Winebird x
For more indepth information on classic red grape types, look here...
Cabernet Sauvignon is like a professional rugby player. Actually, it's like a team of rugby players! Here's why:
You can generally presume that all professional rugby players have certain elements in common: they are all full in body, fairly heavy, well-structured and their playing quality is generally going to be pretty good, no matter which country they play for. There are the Forwards that pack a bigger punch and are full and fruity, as well as the Backs who are more refined, lean and elegant. Then there is everything in between.
Cabernet is the wine version of this: full bodied, well structured with decent texture and heavier than most. It's pretty reliable from just about anywhere, although the style will vary slightly according to country and region. Remember my climate tip:
Hot = big and fruity!
Cool = elegant and restrained!
Here's my Wine Language Tasting Tour to help compare some Cabernets from different countries:
Start with Australia, then try a Southern French Vin De Pays, possibly followed by a Cabernet from Eastern Europe and finally, one from Bordeaux.
Bottom's up!
Winebird x
For more indepth information on classic red grape types, look here...
