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Wine Details
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Description:
Cabernet Sauvignon production in Colorado has risen swiftly to become second only to Merlot (2002). Mesa County has a sufficient growing season exists to fully ripen this late-season ripening variety. It produces outstanding color with an excellent balance of sugar, acid and pH. Cabernet Sauvignon responds well to a fully open canopy. Because of its vigorous growth habit, it can easily produce too much shade on the fruit clusters. Sun exposed clusters are protected by the thick skin from sunburn damage and respond with deeper coloring and slight raisining. This seems to produce higher aromatics and softer tannins in the wine as well as deeper color. An open canopy also aids in powdery mildew control, a disease to which this variety is particularly susceptible.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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