THE HAPPY ACCIDENT OF CABERNET SAUVIGNON...

In the southwest of France during the seventeenth century a happy accident led to the creation of Cabernet Sauvignon. This famous varietal came about when a Cabernet Franc grape and a Sauvignon Blanc grape plant accidentally bred, and we’re so happy they met!

 

 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: WARWICK AND THE WORLD

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most frequently cultivated grape varietal, adaptable to a broad range of temperatures and soil types. It’s no different at Warwick, where it accounts for a quarter of the area under vine. It requires a lot of light to ripen correctly and careful canopy maintenance to keep the vines and leaves in control. Stellenbosch is a unique wine-growing area due to its rather hot and dry climate, granite and sandstone soils, exposed hills, protected valleys, and adequate winter rainfall. Did you know that certain red grape varieties flourish in this climate? In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, and Shiraz are among the others. These varietals can grow in various regions, but because of differences in terroir, the same varietals from those other areas may taste slightly different. And when it comes to winemaking, terroir is everything.

 

 

 

THE FIRST LADY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 

JD Pretorius, our winemaker, works his magic with this famed Cabernet. All grapes are fermented in tanks, enabling the vivid, rich, ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit to take centre stage. He then matures everything for 18 months in extremely old wood. This gives the wine time to blend while ensuring that nothing obscures the fresh character of black fruit, berry compote, dark chocolate, and dry herbs.

 

Our 2018 vintage earned the following points:

83pts – Platter Wine Guide 2021

88pts – Wine Spectator 2021

86pts – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 2021

 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon is a favourite in South Africa, and the world over – and it’s small wonder that it is. Our “Ladies” are a testament to the subtle artistry that can be achieved in every celebration-inspired bottle.  Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned Cab Sav enthusiast or a new red wine adventurer, Warwick has the perfect bottle for you. Be it an accompaniment to dinner, lunch, or an evening beside a crackling fire – any of the Warwick Ladies will make the perfect hostess.