Vino In My Dino

Varietally Speaking: Cabernet Sauvignon

May 6, 2015 13:02

I am posting about our grapes in order of the amount we grow. Cabernet Sauvignon is the next on the list. Here at Pedroncelli we have been growing and making Cabernet Sauvignon since the mid-1960s. We planted the first Cabernet vineyard in the valley and have learned many things over the years on how to get the best out of each site. Although there have been many fanciful theories of the origin of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, modern DNA testing indicates it is a chance crossing of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Besides the geek factor on origins did you know it is Sonoma County's second most planted wine grape and it thrives in places such as Alexander Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Mountain and right here in Dry Creek Valley, where it is the most widely cultivated varietal.

Since Cabernet is king, are you curious as to the cost per ton? $2555 is the market price from the Sonoma County 2014 Grape Crush Report. With Sonoma County acreage at an estimated 12,600 acres, Dry Creek Valley has 3200 acres while we have 29 acres planted and we typically get about 6 ton per acre. The vines are trained on cordon arms, using one of three trellis systems depending on the block: the Scott-Henry, Smart Dyson and Straight Vertical. Planted in the gravelly loam of the lower benches in the valley, we feel the soil, the trellising and careful vineyard management brings out great qualities in this noble grape. We make three styles of Cabernet and have just introduced Wisdom, our paean to the King of the Grapes. Now for some Cabernet in my Dino and a toast to finding Wisdom here.

Cabernet Sauvignon in the spring.

Cabernet Sauvignon in Spring

Tags: Pedroncelli, varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, winespeak
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