Why is Cabernet Sauvignon King in America?
on March 07, 2023
Of 4,000 grape varieties in the world, why is cabernet sauvignon so popular in America? Unfortunately there is no simple answer. Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine grape variety that is grown and enjoyed in many parts of the world, including France, the United States, Australia, and Chile. There are several technical reasons why Cabernet Sauvignon is so popular. (1). Versatility: Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile grape that can grow in a variety of climates and soil types. This means that winemakers can create a range of different styles of wine, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. In plain terms, it's easy and cheap to grow. (2). Ageability: Cabernet Sauvignon has a high level of tannins, which gives the wine structure and allows it to age well. This means that many Cabernet Sauvignons can be cellared for several years, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. Again capitalism is a factor. You can sit on bottles for a several years and maybe make a healthy return. If that's the case the wines become known as "investor bottles." If not they are known as just old/vintage wine. (3). Familiarity: Cabernet Sauvignon is a well-known grape variety that is familiar to many wine drinkers. This familiarity has helped to make it a popular choice for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. Familiarity may be a misnomer in this case as ubiquity is really what has made cabernet sauvignon more common than the rapper Common. It is sold everywhere from grocery stores to gas stations. This touches upon branding which is number five in the list of reasons for cab's dominance. (4). Food Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon is a food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including red meat, pasta, and cheese. Now food pairing is really just a nice way to say that American foods have no flavor when using the phrase in conjunction with cabernet sauvignon. Unfortunately flavor has fallen by the wayside due to the increased use of additives, pesticides and preservatives in food. Some to make chickens fatter. Some to keep pests away from apples. And some even to make white bread whiter. It is because of these industrial agents our apples generally do not taste like anything. Hence why we need to sprinkle cinnamon to make a red delicious apple taste red and delicious. If cinnamon is not your jam (pun) then cabernet sauvignon is so tannic with such mouthfeel that it can even make the bland American palate taste some semblance of flavor from whatever the artificial source. (5). According to ChatGPT, "Branding: Cabernet Sauvignon has been heavily marketed and promoted by wine producers, which has helped to increase its popularity and establish it as a "prestigious" wine variety." Translation: wine companies read their sales reports and cabernet sauvignon always tops the lists so they have attacked the segment. Metaphorically and respectfully as we do not want to sound even remotely dismissive about the sacrifices of our U.S. Navy, our Fifth Fleet would not stand a chance against the legions of marketeers employed by the American wine industry to advance cabernet sauvignon's hegemony on our wine market.
