South African Cabernet Sauvignon

A chance occurrence where two well known varieties of wine grapes, the Cabernet Franc and the Sauvignon Blanc got crossed gave the wine producing world the very popular red wine grape called the Cabernet Sauvignon. This very hardy vine does not rot very easily and the grapes are small with thick skins. The wine produced displays consistently typical flavors inherited from the two original types of grapes and is a favorite with wine producers and consumers all over the world.

The Cape region of South Africa is a major producer of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and the many varieties of wine extracted from it are exported to all parts of the globe. A high presence of tannin and phenols in this grape variety give its wines a distinctive strong flavor and a thick color. Its affinity towards oak helps in limiting the effects of the high tannin content. The typical wood flavors of vanilla and spice, released by oak enhances the natural flavors of the grapes. In combination with other grapes Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines with exotic flavors and the South African varieties detailed here are very popular with wine drinkers anywhere in the world.

Kanonkop Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a full-bodied wine which is matured in big oak barrels for around 2 years. This strong wine is one of the most popular South African red wines.

Kanonkop Paul Sauer: This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. This very elegant tasting wine is also matured in French oak barrels for about 2 years.

Rust en Vrede is a dark ruby colored wine with an aroma that reminds you of pencil lead and tobacco with just a hint of toffee. The oak spice flavor is prominent in this wine that ages beautifully. One of the very popular Rust en Vrede Estate wines; this red wine maintains the excellence that is part of the more than 300 year old tradition of South African wine.

Klein Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon:  This wine is made from grapes that are harvested in March. The fermentation is done in rotating tanks after which it is left to mature in French oak barrels for 2 years. The result is a serious and generous bodied wine with a clear aroma of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and a note of menthol. The traditionally fruity flavor is complemented by the earthy flavors of tannin and oak.

Klein Constantia Marlbrook is a complex wine. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the ratio of 5:4:1. It is also aged for 2 years in French oak barrels and is a wine with classic flavors.

Arniston Bay the Shore Red: This is a simple straightforward wine that is a combination of 40% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot grapes. This dry red wine has a flavor of ripe berries and is fermented in stainless steel tanks before they get pressed. The wine can be consumed immediately. 

Klein Constantia KC Cabernet Sauvignon, Meerlust Rubicon, Guardian Peak Frontier, Stellenrust Timeless and Warwick Three Cape Ladies are some of the other exotic South African wines obtained from the combination of various types of grapes. But all these wines bear the signature flavors of black currant and tobacco of the Cabernet Sauvignon wine grapes.