The dominant grape in many Bordeaux wines, Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in most of the world's wine regions, although it requires a long growing season to ripen properly and gives low yields. Many of the red wines regarded as among the world's greatest are predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. These wines can improve for decades, and remain drinkable for a century. The particularly thick skin of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape results in wines that can be high in tannin, which provides both structure and long life in the bottle. This varietal, while frequently aromatic and with a long finish, also tends to lack mid-palate richness and so is often blended with lower tannin, but "fleshy" tasting grapes, particularly Merlot and Syrah. Cabernet Franc is often used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon to add aromatics.
Clones: FPS 2, 6