Stage 2
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile grape and fairly easy to grow providing it has sufficient warmth to ripen. If this grape does not ripen the wines will be harsh and astringent and If it is too hot the wine will be jammy. It has small thick-skinned berries, which produce deeply coloured wines, which have high tannins and acidity. Because of these factors many of the wines can be suitable for ageing. This grape has an affinity with oak, which is frequently used for aging premium wines.
- Moderate Climate - such as Bordeaux the wine will have a black fruit character and flavours of blackcurrant and black cherry with bell pepper, mint and cedar.
- Hot Climate - such as parts of Australia and California the wine will be full bodied have softer tannins and flavours of black cherry fruit and will be less herbaceous.
Merlot needs a moderate to hot climate. It has more body and alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon but is less aromatic and intense with lower tannin and acidity. This grape will produce two styles of wine; the common international style made either in a hot climate or with ripe grapes to produce flavours of black fruit and a wine with full body, medium to low acidity, high alcohol and a moderate level of gentle tannins. If the grapes are very ripe the wine can taste of fruitcake and chocolate. The other style is made in a cool to moderate climate such as Bordeaux and is elegant with red fruits, plums and a vegetal and cedar note and has higher tannin and acidity levels. The best wines will age and gain spice, smoke and oak flavours.
- Moderate Climate - such as Bordeaux the wine will have a red fruit character and flavours of red berry, strawberry and red plum.
- Hot Climate - such as parts of California the wine will have a black fruit character and flavours of blackberry, black plums and black cherry
Blends
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are ideal blending partners.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Adds colour and acidity, tannin and aromatic fruit to Merlot
Merlot
- Added to Cabernet Sauvignon to make an easier drinking wine
- Adds softness and body