W I N E K N OW L E D G E
Often called the king of grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for some of the most expensive bottles in the world. While Bordeaux is the cradle of Cabernet, we give you a primer on why it excels in these other regions. By June Lee
{ Almaviva 2016 } From Puente Alto, this celebrated collaboration between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild never lets you down. The 2016 has a vivid freshness and focused tannins, comprising 66% Cabernet Sauvignon with just 13.9% alcohol. $240 from 1855 The Bottle Shop
{ Montes Alpha Special Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 }
Central Region, Chile Chile is Cabernet country, with the grape occupying the majority of its plantings. With a wine industry that took root long before phylloxera struck Europe and was then never affected, Chile’s vineyards are free from the disease and not replanted with American rootstock like many of Europe’s vines. Notes Jancis Robinson, “Chilean Cabernet, most of it still ungrafted, has a particularly direct, fruity flavour, and can be enjoyed when only a year or two old. Some wines have a vague whiff of milk chocolate about them, followed up by something ever so slightly salty on the palate.” Quality producers pursue a mid to long ageing style that’s as engaging as examples from the Old World with all the energy of the New World.
Montes hails from Colchagua Valley, where long maturation periods imbue the Cabernet with notes of crème de cassis and tobacco leaf. Expect a voluminous and structured fruitiness from this 85% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. $52 from crystalwines.com
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