Exploring Full-Bodied Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
This chapter delves into the rich world of full-bodied wines crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Discover the renowned Bordeaux region, dissecting its Left and Right Banks, and the prestigious 1855 Classification System that ranks the top wines. Learn about the flavor profiles of these varietals, with Cabernet Sauvignon offering notes of black currant and tobacco, while Merlot highlights plum and roses. Explore other regions where these grapes thrive, including the US, Italy, and Australia, and uncover additional iconic wines derived from these varietals.
Exploring Full-Bodied Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 12 Full-Bodied Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Chapter Objectives Discuss the full-bodied wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes Discuss the Bordeaux region, including the Left and the Right Banks Discuss the 1855 Classification System Identify other places that the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes grow Identify other wines made from these two grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Raw, green bell pepper Black currant Leather Tobacco Lead Pencil Mint Olive Strawberry Raspberry Dark chocolate Tannin Merlot Raw, green bell pepper Plum Roses Black currants Tobacco Lead pencil Mint Fruit Cake Olives Dark chocolate Less Tannin
Bordeaux Region Located in southwestern France, includes some of France’s and the world’s best-known and most expensive wines Left Bank: includes everything on the left side of the Gironde river, looking towards the Atlantic ocean from Bordeaux, including Margaux, Pauillac, and St. Estèphe. Wines are comprised more of Cabernet Sauvignon. Right Bank: includes everything on the right side of the Gironde river, looking towards the Atlantic ocean from Bordeaux, including Pomerol and St. Emilion.
1855 Classification System Breaks the top 60 wines from the Left Bank into five growths or crus: 1. Premier Cru 2. Deuxième Cru 3. Troisième Cru 4. Quatrième Cru 5. Cinquième Cru
Other Growing Regions United States: California, Washington, Long Island Italy Australia Chile Argentina
Other Wines Made From These Grapes Stag’s Leap (Cabernet Sauvignon) Opus One (Blend) Meritage (Blend) Château Pétrus (Merlot)