Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Vitis vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’

‘One of the choicest red varieties of France, making the high-class Medoc wine. Season: mid-season (third period). Merits: of the highest as to quality, but giving a small crop. Vine: growth vigorous when young, somewhat spreading, but on unsuitable soil grows weak with age; shoots of a dark-reddish mahogany colour, of medium thickness, long joints; buds medium size, downy. Leaves very characteristic, medium sized, as long as they are broad; five-lobed; the indentation or sinus deep, rounded, and overlapping towards their extremities in such a way as to make the leaves appear as if they were pierced with fine holes; teeth sharp and uneven; upper surface of a dark-green colour, smooth and glossy, but uneven; under surface covered with close, short down. Fruit: bunches medium size, conical, slightly shouldered, and rather loose, slender peduncle. Berries, small, round, on along and slender foot-stalk, which turns red as the grape ripens. Skin thick, hard, and black, covered with a fine blue bloom when ripe, apt to fall off when over-ripe. Flesh hard and juicy, with peculiar flavour, which is common to the Cabernets.’ [Despeissis p.258/1903].

 

 

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘It forms in the Bordeaux district of France the foundation of the first growths of the world-renowned Chateau Lafite, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Latour, etc., where it is blended with Malbeck, Merlot, and Verdot. Blended with Malbeck and Shiraz, and other good sorts, it makes a most suitable wine for either the local or the export market. The wine, which possesses a deep and brilliant ruby colour, is rather harsh at first, but mellows down with each racking. Keeps very well, and is remarkable for its bouquet.’ [Despeissis p.258/1903].

 

 

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [Vines for Wine only no.5/1843].

William Macarthur’s comments: ‘No. 29 – Cabernet Sauvigon. Black, larger bunches, smaller berries, very austere, imparting a deep color and delicate perfume to the wine, produces more abundantly, and is of more vigorous-growth. This sort is said to compose the majority of the plants in the vineyards of ?rst reputation near Bordeaux.’ [Maro p.28/1844].

 

 

Notes

Published Jun 24, 2010 - 01:31 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2011 - 12:15 PM

Family Vitaceae
Category
Region of origin

Garden origin, France

Synonyms
  • Petit Cabernet

 

Common Name

Grape, Wine Grape

Name in the Camden Park Record

Cabernet Sauvignon – from Bordeaux

 

 

Confidence level high