Cabernet, a name deeply entrenched in the world of wine, traces its origins back to the French language. Derived from the word cabernet which means varietal of wine in French, this name carries a rich history intertwined with the development and appreciation of fine wines.
noun. cab·er·net franc ˌka-bər-ˈnā-ˈfräŋk. -ˈfräⁿ often capitalized C&F. : a dry red wine often used in blends (as with merlot or cabernet sauvignon)
Cabernet Franc (Everything you need to know) | Grapes 101
What is a French cabernet called?
In the Right Bank Bordeaux regions St-Émilion and Pomerol, Cabernet Franc is sometimes called Bouchet, Bouchy, or Breton. Cab Franc stars in many of the most exciting pétillant naturel rosé sparkling wines from the Loire Valley.
Which is better, Cabernet Sauvignon or a Cabernet Franc?
Andrew McFetridge, sommelier and founder of Fruit Day Consulting. “Cabernet Franc tends to have a bit more acidity, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon's tannins can often be more aggressive.” Though wines made from either grape can possess bell pepper qualities, McFetridge finds the quality more pronounced with Cabernet Franc.
In French, Pinot Noir means “black pine cone,” Pinot Blanc means “white pine cone” and Pinot Gris means “gray pine cone” — though this grape's color actually falls somewhere between gray, blue, and purple.
Italy might be renowned for its ancient varieties, but two noble French interlopers, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, now contribute to some of Italy's most prestigious wines, telling a fascinating story of adaptation and evolving identity.
For those who prefer fruitier wines, merlot is a better choice. This wine is less acidic and slightly sweeter. Cabernet sauvignon has a much earthier taste with strong vegetal, spice and tart fruit notes.
What's the difference between a malbec and a Cabernet?
The primary difference lies in their flavor profiles and structure. Malbec tends to be fruitier and softer with plush textures, while Cabernet Sauvignon is more structured, with firmer tannins and complex layers that often include herbs, spice, and cedar.
Is there a difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet?
Sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon is referred to as just Cab, Cabernet, Cab Sauv and many other names. It is the same thing. There is no official grape called Cabernet.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most full-bodied reds produced in California. Compared to Pinot Noir, this wine is denser in color and flavor and has grippier tannins. Its full body makes Cabernet Sauvignon a great wine to pair with rich foods and flavorful sauces.
What is the French equivalent of Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright pale red wine that contributes finesse and lends a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Depending on the growing region and style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, bell pepper, cassis, and violets.
Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio) is an offshoot of the Pinot Noir variety. It derives its name (Gris meaning “gray” in French, Grigio meaning “gray” in Italian) from the grayish-blue color of its grapes.
What's the difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon?
The first to be harvested is Pinot Noir, which grows best in colder climates while Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested later and develops better in warmer climates. Of these two red wines, the lighter is usually Pinot Noir with a light to medium body, while Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from medium to full-bodied.
Just like Champagne, which must come from the Champagne region of France, prosecco is protected by DOC status. That means the process of growing, making, and bottling is all strictly regulated and must take place in its home region to be called prosecco.
Montepulciano wine is a typically red wine crafted from the grape variety of the same name, though it also makes excellent rosé. It is most frequently associated with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, which is grown in Abruzzo, in east-central Italy.
Gamay (French pronunciation: [ɡamɛ]) is a purple-colored grape variety used to make red wines, most notably grown in Beaujolais and in the Loire Valley around Tours.
