The appreciation for wine blends changes in a similar fashion to the changes in art trends. Grape varieties are often fused together to create wines with subtle differences in tastes and smells. Although there's only a handful of grape varieties that have found favor in the eyes of connoisseurs and vineyard owners, the combinations and concentrations are virtually endless. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz rise above the rest, especially in the Australian wine regions. These two varieties are mixed together to create an exquisite blend popularly known as Cabernet Shiraz.
Australia's Coonawarra region is the birthplace of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique qualities of its free-draining clayey soil produce grapes with a very fruity flavor that slightly hint of mint. Other regions fell in line and produced their own Cabernet Sauvignons with varying flavors. The fermentation process also changed with the succeeding decades, favoring lighter wines with low alcohol content in the 80s and ripe tastes and balanced alcohol levels in the 90s. At present, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a very popular variety in Australia, second only to Shiraz. Its characteristics differ with the region where it is grown, and it can have a full-bodied, ripe, or balanced blend of tannin and fruity notes. Combining it with Shiraz to produce Cabernet Shiraz will also result in a whole new range of characteristics.
Shiraz wouldn't have flourished in Australian vineyards if it wasn't saved by international recognition in the seventies. It was a very popular grape variety up until that time, when trends changed and white wines were preferred over reds. Wine regions uprooted their Shiraz vines to pave the way for varieties that produce white wine. It's fortunate that worldwide trends had an impact on Australian wine makers' preferences. A government subsidy program on vineyards also contributed to the shift in wine market trends. Shiraz is currently Australia's most popular grape variety.
Blending these two varieties together results in very interesting characteristics, depending on the fermentation process and the proportion of the mixtures. The Penfold Grange is Cabernet Shiraz with more Shiraz than Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend ages very well, and a case of vintage 1951 bottles accepts auction bids of up to fifty thousand Australian dollars. Australia's annual production of this wine only amounts to a third of California's, but the unique characteristics of its blends compensates for the limited output.
You'll love this blend if you prefer red wine over white, and your desired concentrations will depend on the occasions when you'll pour out a glass of it. Light-bodied blends are perfect for steak meals because they accent the flavor without overpowering it. If you drink wine to unwind after a stressful day, full-bodied blends should do the trick. The unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz results in very friendly characteristics tempered with interesting undertones, and every bottle is pleasantly different from the last.
Australia's Coonawarra region is the birthplace of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique qualities of its free-draining clayey soil produce grapes with a very fruity flavor that slightly hint of mint. Other regions fell in line and produced their own Cabernet Sauvignons with varying flavors. The fermentation process also changed with the succeeding decades, favoring lighter wines with low alcohol content in the 80s and ripe tastes and balanced alcohol levels in the 90s. At present, the Cabernet Sauvignon is a very popular variety in Australia, second only to Shiraz. Its characteristics differ with the region where it is grown, and it can have a full-bodied, ripe, or balanced blend of tannin and fruity notes. Combining it with Shiraz to produce Cabernet Shiraz will also result in a whole new range of characteristics.
Shiraz wouldn't have flourished in Australian vineyards if it wasn't saved by international recognition in the seventies. It was a very popular grape variety up until that time, when trends changed and white wines were preferred over reds. Wine regions uprooted their Shiraz vines to pave the way for varieties that produce white wine. It's fortunate that worldwide trends had an impact on Australian wine makers' preferences. A government subsidy program on vineyards also contributed to the shift in wine market trends. Shiraz is currently Australia's most popular grape variety.
Blending these two varieties together results in very interesting characteristics, depending on the fermentation process and the proportion of the mixtures. The Penfold Grange is Cabernet Shiraz with more Shiraz than Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend ages very well, and a case of vintage 1951 bottles accepts auction bids of up to fifty thousand Australian dollars. Australia's annual production of this wine only amounts to a third of California's, but the unique characteristics of its blends compensates for the limited output.
You'll love this blend if you prefer red wine over white, and your desired concentrations will depend on the occasions when you'll pour out a glass of it. Light-bodied blends are perfect for steak meals because they accent the flavor without overpowering it. If you drink wine to unwind after a stressful day, full-bodied blends should do the trick. The unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz results in very friendly characteristics tempered with interesting undertones, and every bottle is pleasantly different from the last.
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Cabernet Shiraz is a unique blend of two grape varieties abundant in the Australian regions. Whether you want to sample it on its own or pair it with a meal, a single glass will tell you why it is a popular choice for connoisseurs, wine makers, and wine lovers.