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California Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon has been referred to as the king of red wine grapes. Cabernet Sauvignons and blends where the variety predominates are some of the most prized wines produced in California. The grape is also the main ingredient in blends for many of the most famous red wines in the world. Cabernet Sauvignons are dry, full flavored and made to be long lived for many labels. The aging potential can be upwards of 10-20 years, though 5 to 9 years is more usual. Fans of Cabernet Sauvignon are familiar with the wine's common descriptors: berry, currant and cassis or herbaceous, bell pepper and toasty oak aromas and flavors. In U.S. supermarkets, Cabernet Sauvignon represented 13 percent of the wine volume sold in 2007 and nearly 11 percent of the case volume, according to The Nielsen Company.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Grape

DNA genetic fingerprinting research at the University of California at Davis has revealed Cabernet Sauvignon to be a cross between the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The variety is California's most widely planted red winegrape, with 75,622 acres reported in 2007. Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the Lodi-Woodbridge area have the most plantings. Cabernet Sauvignon is a tough-skinned, late-maturing variety that is more impervious to rain damage and disease.

Top 10 California Counties for Cabernet Sauvignon Acreage, 2007

County 2007 Total Acres
Napa 18,744
Sonoma 11,563
San Joaquin 10,537
San Luis Obispo 8,900
Monterey 4,153
Lake County 3,182
Sacramento 3,085
Madera 2,987
Mendocino 2,536
Fresno 1,506
Other 8,429
STATE TOTAL 75,622

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service

California Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Crush Tonnage

Year Tons Crushed
2007 425,172
2006 423,508
2005 542,480
2004 360,115
2003 396,358
2002 379,183
2001 390,216
2000 357,684
1999 255,732
1998 228,450
1997 226,318
1996 158,643
1995 180,406
1994 171,654
1993 160,035
1992 151,319
1991 134,143
1990 94,177

Source: California Agricultural Statistics Service

Revised on May 1, 2008


Credentialed journalists and Wine Institute members requiring further information may contact the Wine Institute Communications Department.

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