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2011 Stark-Conde Cabernet Sauvignon
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Wine Details for 2011 Stark-Conde Cabernet Sauvignon
| Type of Wine | South Africa Red |
|---|---|
| Varietal |
Cabernet Sauvignon
: It is recognized worldwide, referred to as “king of grapes” and has easily become the most popular grape variety in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon has seemingly taken the world by storm. It has seen exponential growth and popularity in American and around the world over the past thirty years. The phrase “Cabernet is king,” is a common maxim in the world of wine. Cabernet Sauvignon wine has become so popular that when being referred to can be recognized by simple slang, such as “Cab” or “Cabernet. It might appear simple, straightforward and easily understood; yet, interestingly remains an enigma, which has both baffled and excited oenologists since its discovery. The exact origin and circumstances of this world-altering event are still enigmatic; however, at the end of the 20th century, UC Davis Scientists (John Bowers and Carole Meredith) were able to solve part of the mystery using DNA fingerprinting technology that proved Cabernet Sauvignon to be the offspring of a surprising spontaneous crossing of Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. By the 18th century there were already records of Cabernet Sauvignon being well-established on the west side of the Gironde Estuary (Left Bank) in the Medoc and Graves. Although tremendously popular in California and what seems to have become the identity of Napa Valley winemaking, Cabernet Sauvignon’s birth took place in the Bordeaux region of southwest France by fortuitous unification. Whereas Napa Valley experienced a winemaking renaissance during the 1970’s and 1980s (greatly due to the 1976 Judgement of Paris) quality wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape has been produced in the Medoc, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux for over 400 years. Cabernet Sauvignon’s first recorded plantings in California can be traced back to the 1850’s when Antoine Delmas, a French nurseryman, brought French vines (including one called ‘Cabrunet’) to the Santa Clara Valley. Early cultivation suffered due to obscurity of the varietal and improper planting in inhospitable soil. It wasn’t until pioneers such as Robert Mondavi, Randy Dunn and Warren Winiarski with their amazing foresight and understanding of terroir, would the grape variety finally find its niche in California winemaking. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in warm climates moderated by a cooling marine influence. It is perfectly attuned to gravel-based soils with good drainage. Whether on flat land or a hillside, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape flourishes in proper climates and terroir, producing incredible yields. The thick grapevine is extremely vigorous allowing it to exploit its natural host. Its distinctive small, black berries (reminiscent of blueberries) adhere firmly to the stalk and are capable of a very long “hang time.” These berries are extremely concentrated, producing intensely flavored fruit. The thick skins of the grape are characterized as having highly astringent flavor, high tannin, acidity and dark color. Coincidentally, the variety has a special affinity for oak, which helps soften the bitterness. Today, the Noble Bordeaux varietal of Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on 340,000 hectares (741,300 acres) of vineyards across the earth’s surface. From Sicily to Sonoma, Chile to Bordeaux, South Africa to Napa. It has found symbiosis in terroir hotspots that mimic that of the Medoc and Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon’s globetrotting has allowed the grape variety to take root all over the world, captivating its inhabitants and influencing winemaking. This serendipitous marriage between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc centuries ago, which offered to the world its progeny, has changed the landscape of winegrowing, winemaking and the face of the entire wine market forever. It has influenced blending, changed civilization and has cultivated a place for itself in today’s world… the very pinnacle. |
| Country |
South Africa
: With over 300 years of winemaking history, South Africa is often described as bridging the gap between the Old World and New. Most vintners, today, are using New World winemaking techniques but there are many ways in which the wines are stylistically similar to their Old World counterparts. In recent years, South African Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have become internationally popular, which has greatly contributed to an already prospering wine industry. From South Africa’s signature grape Pinotage (an indigenous crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault and rarely seen outside the country) to the legendary dessert wine Vin de Constance which brought world-wide recognition and fame during the 18th and 19th centuries, South African viticulture has become one of the most prominent wine regions in the world. With a vast array of climates and terroirs, the South African landscape offers an incredibly diverse portfolio of wine styles. From the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape to the Northern Cape’s barren, arid soils dominated by the Kalahari Desert, South African terroir is well suited to the varietals cultivated there. The Mediterranean climate also plays an important role and is significantly influenced by the meeting of Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country has 96,000 hectares under vine, of which 55 percent are cultivated to white grape varieties. Chenin Blanc is the country’s most planted grape with 18.5 percent of all grapes, followed by Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and numerous other white varietals. Though the crisp, dry and refreshing white styles produced have dominated the recent wine market, Pinotage, Shiraz (Syrah), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also widely planted red grape varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are often found used together in “Bordeaux Blends.” Vines were first planted in South Africa in the 1650s by Dutch settlers, but it was not until French Huguenots arrived in the 1680,s bringing with them viticultural skills and knowledge, when the country would become a recognized wine producing region. Constantia is the oldest wine region, and also where the world famous Vin de Constance was first produced. Stellenbosch is just as recognizable as a wine producing region and graces many labels on the international wine market. Today, South Africa has garnered global recognition and is one of the most important wine producing countries in the world. Its annual wine output of 10.4 million hectoliters is an incredibly impressive accomplishment for a relatively “young,” New World wine producer, placing it 8th among all wine producing countries. |
| Region | South Africa |
Overview
| Producer | Stark-Cond |
|---|