The world’s superlative winemaking grape, Cabernet Sauvignon is capable of producing the most complex, well-balanced, and lasting red wines you’ll ever come across. As one of the most tannic grapes used in winemaking, Cabernet Sauvignon has long been misunderstood as a wine that required ageing in order for it to develop and soften. But after decades of research, growers have learned to identify when the grapes are ready to be harvested based on the tannic ripeness, rather than sugar content alone. Although these wines are ideal candidates for ageing—and will develop beautifully when laid down—it is well within reach for winemakers to produce excellent, structured Cabernet Sauvignons that are well-enjoyed while they’re still young. Descended from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, this relatively young grape is believed to have sprouted up from a chance crossing in the 17th century. Regardless, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted wine grape in the world.
From Bordeaux by way of California, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys the same status and adoration in the grape growing regions of the Golden State as it does back home in France. The grapes grown in California tend to be more fruit-forward and delicate, with deep dark fruit notes of blueberry and blackberry and hints of mint and eucalyptus.
Our California Cabernet Sauvignon displays layer upon layer of dark berry fruit with notes of spice and vanilla. A well structured red wine with plush tannins and a dry finish. This full-bodied red is heavy on the oak character, with a sturdy alcohol level of 14%.
The Signature Series™ Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most satisfying kits to make thanks to the inclusion of grape skins. You’ll mirror the professional vintner process of “punching the cap”, which makes your winemaking adventure even more hands on. VineCo’s jammy skin packs are much more expressive than dried grape skins, imparting more character from the grapes and boosting tannin structure in the finished wine.
High quality American oak cubes are used in the final aging process of the California Cabernet kit. One of the reasons oak has always been used to age wine is the slow release of delicious, complex compounds that complement the wines flavor. Oak cubes have more depth of flavor than chips or powder and slowly release compounds like furfural (sweet, caramel like), lignins (vanillin, spice, smoke), and lactones (classic oak flavor). American oak in particular is known to deliver aromatic sweetness, vanillin, and an extra helping of classic oak flavor that some Californian Cabs are famous for.
The VineCo Signature Cabernet Sauvignon is a must for any red wine lover. Add a few bottles to your cellar and revisit over the months and years to see just how much the wine can develop. If you want something to pair well with a char-grilled steak, look no further than this bold, assertive varietal.
Cabernet Sauvignon, California
- Dark berry fruit, notes of spice and vanilla with plush tannins
- Sweetness: Dry
- Oak: Heavy
- Body: Full
- ABV: 14%
- Kit Volume: 14 L
- Approximate Yield: 23 L
- Ready to bottle in 6-8 weeks
- Grape skins included
- Bottle labels included
