At Hope Family Wines we pride ourselves in all our wines, but our Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon truly is a step above.
We’ve spent years perfecting every step of the process in an effort to create the best cabernet sauvignon wine in the world. And we’re proud to be able to put out such an incredible wine that takes full advantage of the climate and growing conditions found in Paso Robles.
We believe that the Paso Robles wine region in California is one of the best places in the world for cabernet sauvignon, which has allowed our Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon to be selected as #10 of The Enthusiast Top 100 of 2019 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This marked the first time a wine from the Paso Robles region has been rated in the top 10.
We truly believe that we have one of the best cabernet sauvignon wines in the world, but what is a cabernet sauvignon wine and how is it made?
What is Cabernet Sauvignon Wine?
The answer to this question isn’t as complicated as one may think. Cabernet Sauvignon, which is also known as “cab”, is the most popular red wine in the world having gained popularity quickly because of it’s healthy tannin level and ability to grow in warm and cool climates.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were created because of an accidental cross breeding of a Cabernet Franc grape and a Sauvignon Blanc grape in 17th century France. The resulting in a small red grape is extremely resistant to the elements due to its thicker more durable skin.
This resistance to the elements allows for the grapes to be grown in a variety of different climates, but that does not necessarily mean that the plants will thrive or produce a great tasting wine.
Color
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its dark red color. Cabs get their darker red color because of the thicker skin of the grapes used. These grapes are one of the smallest varietals of grapes used in winemaking and have a higher ratio of skin to pulp. Because of the skin to pulp ratio, the wine produced from these wines is a much deeper, darker red than a lot of other wines.
Flavor Profile
Best paired with food, cabernet sauvignon is a very dry red wine. Its flavor profile can change depending on the climate that the grapes were grown in with warmer climates having a fruitier flavor when compared to cooler climates.
The time on the vine can also change the flavor profile. With underripe grapes having more of a vegetal flavor as opposed to fruit flavor.
Some of these differences to the flavor of the cabs are a conscious choice by the winemakers depending on what they are going for.
Oak Barrel Aging
Because Cabernet Sauvignon wine tends to be high in tannin, because of the thicker grape skins, it’s important to properly age the wine in order to obtain the proper flavor profile. Oak barrels are often used for this process to help enhance the flavor. At the same time though, the oak from the barrels also have tannin, so it’s a delicate process to ensure that you’re getting the right balance.
Cabs tend to have a higher tannin content which results in the dry taste. This dry feeling you get in your mouth after drinking a Cabernet Sauvignon is part of the reason why cabs are often paired with red meats or other protein rich foods. The reason for this is that fat cuts through tannin, which helps to clean your palette after every bite.
Best Regions for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon wine can be found all over the world, but there are only certain regions that produce high quality, great tasting cabs.
The price of this wine can change dramatically based on the location in which it was grown and produced. For example, France is the world’s largest producer of Cabernet Sauvignon with over 55,000 hectares planted. Wine from this region tends to be more expensive than other regions, due to the fact that they have been producing it for centuries and the land used is perfect for growing. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find good cabs from elsewhere, or for a more reasonable price.
In the United States, California is known for having some of the best wines in the world. The cabs grown in places like Paso Robles and Napa Valley tend to be a bit richer, with slightly higher alcohol content and lower acidity due to the climate and the farming techniques. You can also find some cabs coming out of Washington these days as well.
While France and the California are two of the more popular regions producing Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll also find countries like Italy, Australia, and Chile producing them as well.
Cabernet Sauvignon is still one of the most popular wines in the world even though other varietals have started gaining in popularity. Cabs continue to be one of the best wine types to pair with steaks, burgers and other red meats, which make them extremely popular when dining at a nice restaurant, or enjoying a home cooked meal.
At Hope Family Winery we are extremely passionate about our Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon grown right here in Paso Robles, California. We have been cultivating and experimenting with creating the perfect cab over the years, and once you try it, we think you’ll have to agree with us.