Cabernet is one of the most popular dark grape varieties belonging to the Western European group. It is mainly grown for further processing in order to obtain delicious wine. Climbing shrub plant experts assess the opposite of the table variety, where the appearance of the berries plays an important role. When choosing Cabernet Sauvignon, it is necessary to study the ratio of the chemical indicator and mechanical characteristics, which make it possible to turn the berries into a high-quality and rich alcoholic beverage. Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape that is ideal for making not only wine, but also juices.

History of appearance

The Cabernet grape is a cross between a white Bordeaux Sauvignon and a red Cabernet Franc. Thanks to crossing, the berry acquired frost resistance, bright aroma and amazing structure. Experts believe that the selection process happened by chance. However, there are other versions as well.

In the second half of the 17th century, the French were actively involved in the development of winemaking. The production of the wine product was gaining popularity, so not only professionals, but also landowners began to develop the industry. The monks, in turn, were engaged in a variety of breeding experiments and experiments. Unfortunately, during the Great French Revolution, almost all records of winemakers disappeared, so there is no reliable information about Cabernet breeding. Sauvignon Blanc grapes and Cabernet North have a lot in common with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Description of the variety

Cabernet Sauvignon berries contain tannin, which makes the wine drink rich and tart. Ripe fruits vaguely taste like black currants. The description of the vineyard cannot convey the amazing taste characteristics of the Cabernet variety.

Note! Wine obtained from this grape variety is usually aged for many years.

The climbing shrub plant can be grown in areas with any climatic conditions. Medium berries are round in shape. A specific waxy coating forms on the skin. Thick rind covers the juicy pulp. Winemaking experts note the combination of floral fruit flavors with ginger, vanilla and blueberries.

Characteristics of the variety

A climbing shrub plant of the Cabernet Sauvignon variety is grown in plots in order to:

  • Cooking table wine. In this case, the collection of berries begins 140 days after the buds have blossomed.
  • Preparing a dessert drink. The grapes begin to be harvested 165 days after budding begins.

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are considered to be absolutely unpretentious to weather conditions culture. That is why one can contemplate its active growth even at low temperatures.

The bush is not susceptible to a number of diseases that are inherent in agriculture, namely:

  • gray rot;
  • leaf roll;
  • mildy;
  • phylloxera.

Leaf roll

Note! The harvested grape harvest can be used even for the production of high-quality vintage wine.

The climbing shrub is distinguished by a high level of productivity, and the bunches, which are in the rain for a long period, do not rot.

It is recommended to plant seedlings in an elevated area (preferably on the eastern side of the site). This will allow enough wind to blow over the berries.It is advisable to plant the plant in the spring. The distance between the bushes should be at least 3.5 - 4 m. A ripe bunch of grapes reaches 15 cm in length and 6-8 cm in width. The mass of the bunch is 70-80 g. The characteristic of the variety also suggests that the sugar content of the bunches is at a high level.

Planting and caring for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

Despite the unpretentiousness of the climbing bush, experts note that it takes root best of all in the soil of the southern or eastern slopes. If there is no hill on the site, it will have to be created artificially.

The main features of planting and caring for the variety:

  • Mandatory feeding of bushes with organic fertilizers during the growing season. The last fertilization should be in the second half of July. If you ignore this advice, this will cause further stimulation of the growing season. A large amount of greenery will hide the bunches from the sun's rays and make it difficult for the berries to ripen.
  • In the period when the fruits begin to ripen, it is necessary to provide the bushes with systematic watering. How often the soil should be moistened directly depends on the climatic features of the growing region. If you overdo it and overfill the soil too often, the berries will lose their exceptional taste and become excessively watery. The last time the vineyard is watered is in October.
  • During the formation of a Cabernet Sauvignon bush, experts advise cutting off short branches by 4-6 eyes. As a result of these manipulations, the lower buds are activated, which increases the fertility of the vine. In cases where the crop is grown for the purpose of making vintage wines, it is recommended to reduce the length of the fruit arrows, which will reduce the level of stress on the bush.
  • The hole in which young bushes will be planted should be deep enough (90-100 cm). The surface of the bottom of the pit is covered with a layer of gravel, then a mixture of fertile soil with applied fertilizers is poured. It is best to use iron and potassium for feeding in this case. To increase the yield of the crop, a small amount of rusty nails and screws can be placed in the pit. After planting Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, you need to sprinkle ordinary fertile soil under the bush. If the root of the seedling comes into contact with the fertilizer, it can burn out! Therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance.
  • Before planting, the root system of the seedlings is trimmed and soaked in a bucket of warm water for 24 hours. After planting the bushes, it is necessary to pour 2 buckets of warm water under each, and cover the top of the soil with mulch. After that, you need to water the plants every 7-9 days. After August 15, the moisture should be reduced a little to prevent cracking of the fruit and to properly prepare the bushes for wintering.
  • Despite the excellent frost resistance of the variety, experts still advise covering the bushes at the end of autumn. The first step is to shorten the vine by ¾. Then attach the shortened vine to the surface of the ground and sprinkle it with soil. The soil is insulated from above with sawdust, hay or branches and foliage from trees. It is unacceptable to wrap the bushes with oilcloth, which contributes to the accumulation of moisture in the soil. The shelter is removed closer to mid-April.

Important! Vine branches can be damaged by spider mites. A climbing plant can be protected with standard insecticidal preparations.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety include:

  • Intense fruit taste.
  • High level of resistance to a variety of diseases.
  • Widely used in the production of fine wine and juice.
  • Excellent winter hardiness.
  • High yield level.
  • No rotting when the bunches are on the bushes for a long time.

Like any other variety, Cabernet Sauvignon has some disadvantages, namely:

  • Mass or partial shedding of ovaries is possible.
  • High risk of peas (small yield).

Cabernet Sauvignon is an amazing and unique taste of grapes.Providing proper vineyard care, you can become the owner of a weighty harvest. It is very important to adhere to the advice of experts on growing a bush and timely fertilize and moisturize the soil. The rest of the culture is considered picky, so caring for it will not be difficult. Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety that makes not only an amazing wine, but also sweet juice with a slight tart aftertaste.