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CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND BLENDS

EDUCATOR GUIDE

AUSTRALIAN DISCOVERED PREPARING FOR YOUR CLASS THE MATERIALS

VIDEOS As an educator, you have access to a suite of teaching resources and handouts, You will find complementary video including this educator guide: files for each program in the Wine Assets Gallery. EDUCATOR GUIDE We recommend downloading these This guide gives you detailed topic videos to your computer before your information, as well as tips on how to best event. Look for the video icon for facilitate your class and tasting. It’s a guide recommended viewing times. only – you can tailor what you teach to Loop videos suit your audience and time allocation. These videos are designed to be To give you more flexibility, the following played in the background as you optional sections are flagged throughout welcome people into your class, this document: during a break, or during an event. There is no speaking, just background ADVANCED music. Music can be played aloud, NOTES or turned to mute. Loop videos should Optional teaching sections covering be played in ‘loop’ or ‘repeat’ mode, more complex material. which means they play continuously until you press stop. This is typically an easily-adjustable setting in your chosen media player. COMPLEMENTARY READING Feature videos These videos provide topical insights Optional stories that add from Australian , experts background and colour to the topic. and other. Feature videos should be played while your class is seated, with the sound turned on and clearly SUGGESTED audible. DISCUSSION POINTS To encourage interaction, we’ve included some optional discussion points you may like to raise with your class. Consider asking them to work in small groups to answer the question and then report back to the class. If you would like more movement in your classroom, ask them to write the group responses down on sticky notes (one idea per note) and attach them to a wall or whiteboard.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide PRESENTATION SLIDES TASTING LIST The presentation follows the content in A editable tasting list template is available your guide and is designed for your in the Assets Gallery. We attendees, using visuals and photography strongly recommend filling this in to give to convey key points. We recommend to your class, so they have a record of projecting it on a big screen so it’s clearly what they tasted and where it can visible to all attendees. be purchased. There is a separate version of the CERTIFICATE presentation available with space for A downloadable participation certificate is student notes. You may like to print a also available in the Wine Australia Assets copy of this for each participant prior Gallery. You can add your logo and fill in the to the event. relevant course details before presenting to An editable PowerPoint version of the attendees. presentation is available on request. This guide and other complementary materials were COMPLEMENTARY HANDOUTS produced by Wine Australia in 2018. Information and statistics were correct at time of publication, but more You will find downloadable handouts in the up-to-date information may be available. Wine Australia Assets Gallery. These can be *Please note these documents, and any information, printed and distributed to your class. diagrams or images contained therein, not be extracted, reproduced, or distributed except to the extent it has been expressly authorised under license from Wine Australia.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide SUGGESTED TIMINGS

This program is designed to be taught in one to three hours. How long you spend on each topic – or whether you cover it at all – will depend on your attendees as well as time allocation. Below are two different examples of how you may wish to divide your time.

ONE-HOUR CLASS THREE-HOUR CLASS

Topic Time Time (mins) Topic (mins)

Welcome and introduction 3 mins Welcome and introduction 10 mins

History of Cabernet History of Cabernet 3 mins 10 mins Sauvignon Sauvignon

How it’s grown 5 mins How it’s grown 15 mins

Techniques influencing style 9 mins Techniques influencing style 20 mins

Blending 4 mins Blending 10 mins

Where it’s grown 15 mins Where it’s grown 20 mins

Characteristics and flavour 15 mins profiles (including tasting) Break 15 mins

Cabernet Sauvignon 3 mins by numbers Characteristics and flavour profiles (including tasting) 60 mins Summary and class close 3 mins Cabernet Sauvignon 10 mins by numbers

Summary and class close 10 mins

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide PREPARING F O R YOUR EVENT

3 WEEKS PRIOR Confirm event time and book venue Confirm equipment availability (glasses, projector, mats, etc.) Invite attendees (recommend setting an RSVP for 1 week prior to event).

1 WEEK PRIOR Reconfirm venue availability – check tables/chairs if being provided by venue Confirm number of attendees Review course content and make any required edits to presentation slides Select the wines (one bottle per 16 attendees). See suggested mix below Draft and print your tasting list in order of presentation (blank template provided).

1 DAY PRIOR Print attendee list Fill in and print relevant class handouts, including tasting sheets and participation certificates Collect and clean glassware Put wines in fridge to chill overnight, if required Double-check you have all equipment required to run the event.

3 HOURS PRIOR Check wines are at an appropriate temperature, with white and sparkling wines in the fridge Set up room Set up and test projector/laptop/iPad Ensure the venue manager is aware of the start time and location for the event and can direct attendees if necessary.

30 MINUTES PRIOR Gather the wines, using ice buckets with a 50:50 mix of ice and water for white and sparkling wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide YOU WILL NEED

SUGGESTED WINES TO PER ATTENDEE – Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 1 glass for each wine you’ll – Flat be tasting Cabernet Sauvignon 600mL bottle of water – Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon  1 spittoon (plastic cups are – Dominique Portet suitable) Cabernet Sauvignon Palate cleansers, such as – Bleasdale Langhorne Creek water crackers Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting mats, wine list and – Chapel Hill McLaren Vale other relevant handouts Cabernet Sauvignon Pen. Should you wish to extend the tasting, the following wines are recommended: – Yarra Yering ‘Carrodus’ Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon TO SET UP YOUR TRAINING ROOM – Domaine A Tasmania Cabernet Sauvignon Tables and chairs to seat all – Moss Margaret River participants Cabernet Sauvignon A table (or barrel) at the front – Balnaves of Coonawarra for the wines Cabernet Sauvignon Ice and ice buckets to – Kay Brothers McLaren Vale hold wines Cabernet Sauvignon Rockford Barossa Valley  – Cabernet Sauvignon Wiping cloth or paper towel for spills Note:  Projector and screen/wall – Allow 1 bottle per 16 participants.  Some classes may require – Have a second bottle on hand for microphone and speakers. any wines sealed with to allow for cork taint issues. Tip: – You can pre-pour in advance if time is tight – wine Arrange tables and chairs to should be served at 15°C (60°F). encourage discussion. U-shaped room Avoid pre-pouring white or sparkling with a round table format is ideal. wine so it can be served chilled.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide DISCOVERED EDUCATION PROGRAM

The comprehensive, free education For enquiries, email program providing information, tools and [email protected] resources to discover Australian wine.

To access course presentation, videos and tasting tools, as well as other programs, visit Wine Australia supports the www.australianwinediscovered.com responsible service of alcohol. PROGRAM INFORMATION AND PRESENTATION SLIDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND BLENDS

AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED Timo Mayer, , Mayer Yarra Valley Yarra Mayer Winemaker, Mayer, Timo

Australia’s unique and landscape have fostered a fiercely independent wine scene, home to a vibrant community of growers, winemakers, viticulturists, and vignerons. With more than 100 grape varieties grown across 65 distinct wine regions, we have the freedom to make exceptional wine, and to do it our own way. We’re not beholden by tradition, but continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of the most diverse, thrilling wines in the . That’s just our way.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Beauty is so much more than skin-deep with Cabernet Sauvignon, despite this deeply coloured black grape variety being so striking. Under the surface, Cabernet Sauvignon boasts lots of , bright acidity and easily recognisable aromas.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON A TRUE AUSTRALIAN CLASSIC

VIDEO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S GREAT Now is a great time to play the WINE SUCCESS STORIES Cabernet Sauvignon loop video in the Cabernet Sauvignon is Australia’s third most background as you welcome people planted grape variety and an integral part of into your class. Australia’s wine heritage. – It’s successful as a single wine and as a dominant feature in classic blends. – Australia is known for fuller-bodied, FIRST TASTE concentrated Cabernet, but also produces THIS MAY BE A GOOD medium-bodied, tannin-driven styles. – Barossa Valley’s Kalimna Block 42 is OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE believed to be the world’s oldest Cabernet EVERYONE A TASTE OF (planted in 1888). A CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON. THE FULL TASTING COMES LATER IN THE PROGRAM.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide TO DAY

- History of Cabernet Sauvignon - How it’s grown WE’LL - Techniques influencing style - Blending - Where it’s grown - Characteristics and flavour profiles - Cabernet Sauvignon COVER… by numbers

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide THE HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN CABERNET 1886 What are believed to SAUVIGNON be the world’s oldest productive Cabernet Sauvignon vines are planted at Block 42 Kalimna.

1832 1966 Cabernet Sauvignon arrives Cabernet Sauvignon on Australian shores in the accounts for only 620 collection imported by wine tonnes of the grapes pioneer James Busby. crushed in Australia.

2016 50 years later, through innovation and craftsmanship – and to meet demand for the popularity of this special style – Australia crushes 255,000 tonnes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

TO DAY Winemakers across Australia respect and honour the variety’s rich history while striving to make the best possible wines, crafting delicious Cabernet Sauvignons that reflect a sense of place.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide SUGGESTED A BRIEF HISTORY DISCUSSION POINTS Cabernet Sauvignon originated in the Australia is home to what are believed Gironde region in southwest France. The to be the oldest productive Cabernet grape variety’s history in Australia, however, Sauvignon vines in the world. What dates back to the mid-1800s. characteristics does this bring to With time and persistence, Australian wine Australian Cabernet? pioneers eventually found suitable sites in moderate and planted vineyards across , South Australia, and Victoria. Although FUN FACT the first Cabernet Sauvignon crops mostly contributed to blends, viticulturists and IN FRANCE, CABERNET HAS winemakers soon saw the potential of PREVIOUSLY BEEN KNOWN Australian Cabernet Sauvignon as a single-variety wine. AS PETITE CABERNET, Interestingly, Australia boasts what are VIDURE, PETITE-VIDURE, believed to be the world’s oldest productive BOUCHE, PETITE-BOUCHE, Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the northern Barossa Valley (planted in 1886); Langhorne BOUCHET SAUVIGNON AND Creek is also home to the historic Metala SAUVIGNON ROUGE. planted in 1891. Today, after and , Cabernet Sauvignon is Australia’s third- most-planted wine grape variety, and it’s the world’s most widely planted .

DID YOU KNOW Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between and .

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Site selection Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in warm to cool, dry regions with a maritime influence. A site with plenty of sunshine and the right soil type are key. Y ld Though Cabernet Sauvignon vines can a lot of , overcropping is a risk. HOW CABERNET The  ne SAUVIGNON Cabernet Sauvignon vines are hardy and can produce vigorous yields. IS GROWN – Small to medium clusters with medium-long peduncles stalks – Small, round blue-black grapes – Thick skins – Medium-sized

Irrigation Viticulturists may irrigate Cabernet Sauvignon vines to introduce water during periods of inadequate rainfall and to help produce sufficient yields. As a late- variety, Cabernet Sauvignon harvesting typically starts later in the season. Especially important to control excessive growth. A variety of management techniques can be used to ensure the canopy is balanced and the fruit zone is appropriately shaded, avoiding sunburn and excessive ripeness.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide VITICULTURE: HOW CABERNET The vine SAUVIGNON IS GROWN The Cabernet Sauvignon vine is one of Site selection the most cold-hardy and disease-resistant Site selection for Cabernet Sauvignon is grape vines. It has the potential to be very crucial, as it can greatly impact the quality vigorous and growers use a number of and characteristics of the resulting wines. different trellising and canopy-management For high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, a site techniques depending on the vigour of with plenty of sunshine and the right soil their vines. It’s one of the last major grape type are key. varieties of the season to and ripen. – Climate Irrigation Although Cabernet Sauvignon can grow in Viticulturists may irrigate Cabernet a variety of climates, it’s a late-ripening vine Sauvignon vines to introduce water during that thrives most successfully in warm to periods of inadequate rainfall and to cool, dry regions with a maritime influence. help produce sufficient yields. Sites with In hot regions, the fruit characters become readily available water – in case additional less defined but are still useful in commercial irrigation is needed – are ideal for producing blends; they often add sought-after medium-bodied to full-bodied table wines. to bring more structure to wines made from Pruning other high-cropping vines. One of the main purposes of pruning is to Although Cabernet Sauvignon can perform ‘tell’ the vine how many bunches of grapes well in cool climates, if it’s too cold, the wines to grow. This is achieved by diverting energy may take on more stalky or herbaceous growth to the right place. Given Cabernet notes, such as green and capsicum Sauvignon is a vigorous vine, pruning is (bell pepper). In greater concentrations, especially important to control excessive these characteristics can adversely affect growth. A variety of canopy management Cabernet Sauvignon’s quality and leave the techniques can also be used to ensure the green and ‘stalky’. Likewise, canopy is balanced and the fruit zone is in regions where the grape is exposed to appropriately shaded, avoiding sunburn and excess warmth and over-ripening, the wine excessive ripeness. Pruning can be done by can develop flavours of cooked or stewed hand or mechanically, typically during the . winter months or closer to spring. In Australia, Coonawarra’s moderate Yield climate, along with its well-drained, red- Cabernet Sauvignon can be high yielding, limestone-based soils and good water for and yields can strongly influence the quality supplementary irrigation, is ideal for medium- and flavour of the wine. Though high- bodied to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon yielding vines can produce high-quality fruit table wines. Other regions where the climate with the desired wine traits, overcropped suits Cabernet Sauvignon include Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon vines can result in River, the Yarra Valley and Langhorne Creek. wines with less clear variety definition than – Soil those with lower-yielding crops. These Studies of Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown can be less concentrated and flavourful. on different soil types reveal that soil is a key Winemakers may choose to use these wines element in determining vine performance in blends rather than single-variety wines. and quality of fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes on well-drained soils, such as the terra rossa soils of Coonawarra and the gravelly soils of Margaret River.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide SUGGESTED Harvest DISCUSSION POINTS Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-ripening What happens to Cabernet variety; therefore, harvesting of Cabernet Sauvignon when the climate is too Sauvignon generally begins later in the warm or too cool? season. The later the harvest, the more the grapes will develop the black fruit and high tannin traits that are characteristic of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon wines. DID YOU KNOW (Early grape harvesting often results in Cabernet Sauvignon typically and wines with greener, more herbaceous ripens one to two weeks after aromas and flavours.) and Cabernet Franc. However, the climate of the growing season can impact how early wine producers will harvest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. They look at a number of factors to determine the maturity of the grapes: – levels – Grape colour – pH/acidity – Phenolic content, such as tannin – Aromas – Flavours Other harvest considerations for Cabernet Sauvignon producers are: the intended use for the grapes, such as the style of wine they’re looking for or whether or not they will be blended; what’s typical for a given region and year; weather conditions; and labour and schedules. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes can be either hand-picked or machine-picked, but premium growers typically harvest by hand.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide HOW RED WINE IS MADE

1. HARVEST 2. DESTEMMING 3. FERMENTATION & CRUSHING

6. MATURATION 5. MALOLACTIC 4. FERMENTATION

7. BLENDING 8. FINING & 9. BOTTLING FILTERING

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide TECHNIQUES INFLUENCING CABERNET SAUVIGNON STYLE

GRAPES TYPICALLY DE-STEMMED

FERMENTATION MATURATION BOTTLING AND AGEING

VIDEO stems. (If the grapes were fermented Now is an appropriate time to play with the stems, the wine would be very the feature video, How red wine is tannic and likely quite green in flavour.) made. Although it’s not specific to Maceration: Cabernet Sauvignon, it provides Maceration is the process of manipulating background context on the typical the contact of and wine with the production process. skins of the grape to impact the colour, aromas and flavours of the wine. Extended contact with grape skins can occur after WINEMAKING: TECHNIQUES the grapes are crushed, before alcohol INFLUENCING CABERNET fermentation or after alcohol fermentation SAUVIGNON STYLE and before pressing the skins. Australian Varying techniques may be used, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon winemakers use both the winemaker to create their own wine pre-fermentation and post-fermentation style and to build character and complexity. methods, depending on the stylistic and structural outcomes they desire for the wines. Fermentation: In the winery, Cabernet Sauvignon is Maturation: typically de-stemmed, meaning only the Cabernet Sauvignon generally has a long grapes undergo fermentation. The reason maturation period – 12 to 24 months. for this is that the grapes already have Maturation in new (usually French or enough aroma and tannin and do not American) or used oak barrels is quite benefit from any additional tannins from the common for the variety. The extended

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide SUGGESTED maturation in oak helps soften Cabernet DISCUSSION POINTS Sauvignon’s inherently firm and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is often oaked. tannins, and allows the character of the oak What does oak bring to the Cabernet to integrate with the fruit. Sauvignon winemaking process? Ageing: Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines have great ageing potential. The high- quality wines have the tannin structure, concentration and complexity to age for decades. Young Cabernet Sauvignons have firm tannins, high acidity and flavours of cassis, blackberry and herbs. As the wines mature, their tannins soften, becoming mellow and smooth, and they take on characteristics of cedar, tobacco, earth, soy and cocoa. Winemakers frequently use oak to age premium Cabernet Sauvignons. This adds additional tannins and flavours depending on the type, toasting and size of the oak such as: – Smoke. – Vanilla. – Coffee. – Cedar. Because Cabernet can stand the test of time, it’s been a fixture in a lot of Australia’s most historic and successful wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND BLENDING

MERLOT adds fleshiness, richness typically brings weight CABERNET to the middle palate, to the palate, dusty SAUVIGNON smoothness, characters tannins, dark-fruit of violet and plum flavours and deep colour lends firm structure, plentiful tannins, ‘doughnut’ hollow mid-palate VT

CABERNET AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN SAUVIGNON SHIRAZ Cabernet Franc Malbec MLOT PETIT CABERNET adds fragrance, FRANC brings aromatic lift, SHIRAZ rich, dark-fruit spice, red and brings upfront fruit on flavours and colour pepper characters the mid-palate, softness

CABERNET SAUVIGNON Australian wines ever made are a blend AND BLENDING of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. These The structure of Cabernet Sauvignon is such wines are complex and robust, with that it can benefit from blending with other incredible ageing potential. Often the two wine varieties. Cabernet-Shiraz, for example, varieties even come from different regions to is a uniquely Australian blend that is highly develop more levels of ripeness and layers of successful. complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon is sometimes said to In addition to Australian Shiraz, grapes have a hole in its mid-palate, often referred you typically see blended with Cabernet to as the Cabernet ‘doughnut’. The wine Sauvignon include: hits the front of the palate with fruit flavour, – Merlot then leaps, giving a distinct impression of – Cabernet Franc lingering flavour and tannin on the back – Malbec palate, which leaves a hollow sensation – Petit Verdot in the middle of the tongue. This is why Each of these grapes brings something winemakers often choose to blend Cabernet distinctive to Cabernet-based blends. with other grapes – to provide more mid- palate plushness and make a better, more Ultimately, through blending, winemakers complete wine. aim to create a wine that has greater balance, complexity, intensity and length. Australia has had access to exceptional Shiraz from a diverse range of regions from the early days. Some of the greatest

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide COMPLEMENTARY READING CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND SHIRAZ – THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN RED BLEND? Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure often benefits from being blended with other grape varieties. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot help flesh it out and ensure that a quality wine can be made in almost all years. In Australia, vignerons in the 1950s didn’t always have these varieties to turn to. One thing Australia has had and always will have, however, is access to exceptional Shiraz from a diverse range of regions. It’s easy to see how an unlikely partnership in France become a logical progression in Australia. One of Australia’s great winemakers, , can take the biggest share of the credit for popularising the Shiraz Cabernet blend. While he surely wasn’t the first to combine the varieties, he was the first to create an iconic wine from their union. Max was a true admirer of Cabernet blends, originally wanting to use Cabernet Sauvignon as the basis for a project that lead to a little wine known as Grange. Most winemakers would be happy with creating one iconic wine in their lifetime. Not Max. In 1960, after introducing Grange to the world, he produced another icon when he bottled the first of Penfolds Bin 389. The multi-regional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz inspired many in the Australian wine community with its combination of power and structure. Bin 389 has been joined by blends from renowned like , Hardys, Jacob’s Creek and , alongside an array of wines from boutique wineries from the Barossa to Hunter Valley. The Cabernet Shiraz blend is a proudly Australian wine style that continues to be enjoyed today.

SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS Can Cabernet Sauvignon be a successful wine as a single variety, or is blending still essential for balance?

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON REGIONS

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mar  t NEW SOUTH WALES R i v  C   V a l L 

ED VA  VICTORIA Y A A V A   McLa n Vale Lang rne Cr k 0 500 TASMANIA Kilometres C na a

AUSTRALIAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON REGIONS You can find Cabernet Sauvignon’s brilliance all across Australia. Australian Cabernet Sauvignon means medium-bodied to full- bodied wines with firm, structured tannins and fresh acidity. And although regional expressions vary, the variety’s character shines through no matter where it’s grown. Two Australian wine regions have established themselves as iconic, world- class producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. Coonawarra in South Australia and Margaret River in Western Australia. While Coonawarra and Margaret River may be the country’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon regions, others have emerged as contenders, including the cool-climate Yarra Valley in Victoria and warm climates like McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Barossa in South Australia.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide ADELAIDE

Ouyen Hwy

Dukes Hwy

Riddoch Hwy SOUTH Princes Hwy AUSTRALIA

Coonawarra

FUN FACT COONAWARRA IS AN ABORIGINAL WORD THAT MEANS ‘HONEYSUCKLE’, WHICH GROWS WILD IN THE AREA.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide COONAWARRA

- Maritime influence - Australia’s famous terra rossa soil - Strong winemaking heritage - Cabernet is king - A tradition of blending

COONAWARRA

COONAWARRA Strong winemaking heritage Maritime influence Coonawarra’s agricultural history began Coonawarra is only 100 kilometres (62 in the mid-1800s, when settlers recognised miles) inland from the Australian coast, the potential of the flat, fertile plains so a predominantly moderate maritime for sheep farming and fruit growing. climate prevails in the region, with dry and Enterprising Scottish settler John Riddoch moderately cool summer ripening most planted Coonawarra’s first grapevines in grape varieties to perfection. Its maritime 1891, 30 years after establishing a lucrative location does not, however, prevent sheep farm at Penola. Today, thanks to the the occurrence of spring frosts that are pioneering work of people like David Wynn occasionally quite severe. The extensive and Bill Redman, Coonawarra is, perhaps cloud cover that moderates the most alongside Margaret River, Australia’s most important ripening period temperatures also famous region for Cabernet Sauvignon. sets the region apart. Cabernet is king Australia’s famous terra rossa soil Coonawarra produces complex Cabernet Although terra rossa (red soil) is not unique Sauvignon wines known for their intensity. to the region, Coonawarra’s distinctive vivid These powerful reds: strip is one of the most valuable patches of – Are medium- to full-bodied. soil in Australian wine. It’s either friable clay – Showcase bold, dark and red , with or a shallow friable loam derived from and concentrated flavours of , lying atop a bed of soft limestone. mulberry, plum, blackberry and dark cherry. Classic flavours of mint, eucalyptus and cassis are also present.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide DID YOU KNOW – Have firm tannins without being astringent or hard. Mint flavours are often associated – Often feature considerable oak seasoning, with wine regions that are warm with notes of vanilla or toast. enough to have low levels of pyrazine In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, (the compound that makes some Coonawarra produces a diverse range wines taste like capsicum) but are still of varieties and styles. In recent years, a generally cool, such as Coonawarra. new generation of winemakers has helped reinforce the old guard of established winemaking families, continuing the tradition of elegant winemaking and bringing the region to a new audience. A tradition of blending Up until the 1950s, Shiraz was the main grape variety grown in Coonawarra. The style is medium-bodied, with spice and raspberry-toned fruit. Coonawarra winemakers have been blending Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon for decades. Merlot, on the other hand, doesn’t have a long tradition in Coonawarra, but it has been a very successful blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and makes for interesting, elegant wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CRUSH CABERNET SAUVIGNON GRAPE TYPE OF AUST LIA’S % TO L  B NET = % % % UVIG N 53 C OF COONAWARRA’S 8 92 8 TOTAL CRUSH W T E RED

COONAWARRA SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE GROWING ALTITUDE MARITIME SEASON RAINFALL L  - MEAN JANUARY  AT DEGR ALTITUDE TEMP ATU  Y S 260MM 50M/164FT MODERATE MEDIUM 19.6°C/67.3°F 1,430 L 

Source: Wine Australia, 2017

COONAWARRA SNAPSHOT temperatures are the norm. Consistent cloud Latitude: cover in Coonawarra also contributes to temperature reduction. Grape vines favour temperate climates, which mostly fall within distinct latitudes of Growing season rainfall: 30° and 50° of the equator. Coonawarra Calculated from October to April in Australia, falls comfortably within this moderate range growing season rainfall is a good indication at 37° 18’S. of how much water is available to the Altitude: vine. Rainfall during the growing season in Coonawarra averages 260mm. Coonawarra is a flat, low-altitude region. Lower altitudes generally have little effect Mean January temp: on vines. However, even a small slope’s Mean January temperature refers to the aspect can affect the amount of sunlight mean temperature of the warmest month. the vines receive and mitigate some Warmth is needed to produce and weather conditions like hail. flavours in the grapes. If the weather is too Climate: hot or too cool, sugar and flavour production can stop altogether. – Maritime-influence – Moderate (cool to warm) Heat degree days: – Dry, cool summers Heat degree days (HDD) is an indicator of the warmth of a climate during the vine-growing Coonawarra experiences a maritime period. These warm conditions help build influence due to upwelling of cold ocean weight and fruit richness to the wines. Cooler currents at certain times of the year. nights ensure consistent ripening, but not Cold winters and cool summer night too quickly.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Cabernet Sauvignon has seen great success from grape vines planted in Coonawarra’s famed terra rossa soil – thin, iron-oxide- SOIL based topsoil over limestone.

SOIL The Cabernet Sauvignon grape thrives in a variety of soil types, but it generally finds success with well-drained, gravel-based soils that absorb heat and radiate it to the vines to help with ripening. In Coonawarra, Cabernet Sauvignon has seen great success from grape vines planted in the region’s terra rossa soil – thin, iron- oxide-based topsoil over limestone.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide NOTABLE COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON PRODUCERS Coonawarra is home to well-established, historic brands names that have endured and continue to champion the region’s Cabernet Sauvignon style including: – Redman Wines – established in 1908 and rose to fame with its ‘Rouge Homme’ labels. – Wynns Coonawarra Estate – one of the region’s best-known names, the legacy of those first vines planted by John Riddoch.

DID YOU KNOW Even though Coonawarra’s first vines were planted in 1891, it really rose to fame with the revitalisation of the Wynns vineyard and winery in the 1950s. Coonawarra has a longer history of growing Cabernet Sauvignon than Margaret River, which didn’t begin significant wine production until the 1970s.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Great Northern Hwy Northern Great

Brand Hwy

Great Eastern Hwy

PERTH WESTERN Great Southern Hwy AUSTRALIA

Albany Hwy

Bussell Hwy

Margaret R

MARGARET RIVER South Western Hwy

Hwy

Coast South

FUN FACT IN THE YEARS SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A FINE-WINE REGION, MARGARET RIVER HAS GROWN TO BECOME HOME TO MORE THAN 200 WINERIES.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide MARGARET RIVER

- Gourmet paradise - Cabernet Sauvignon is the region’s hero wine - Stand-out blends - Innovative, experimental outlook

MARGARET RIVER

VIDEO Gourmet paradise Now is an appropriate time to play Margaret River, which sits in the far the feature video, Margaret River southwest corner of Western Australia, is Cabernet Sauvignon. one of the most geographically isolated wine regions in the world. But this isolation has been no barrier to the development of Margaret River didn’t emerge as an ideal the region as it’s grown and evolved into a grape-growing region until the late 1960s, place dedicated to the pursuit of great food, and was chosen for its specific climate and exceptional lifestyle and fine wine. soil profile, which match the best growing Hero wines conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is the hero variety From its first in the early 1970s by for many Margaret River producers. The amateur vignerons who were new to grape Margaret River style, though still medium- growing and winemaking, the Margaret bodied to full-bodied, is richer in flavour River region quickly stamped itself as one and more rounded in texture than that of to watch – especially when it came to Coonawarra. In its best years, Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon. River Cabernets show an astonishing balance of fruit ripeness, acidity and defined tannin structure. The wines are characterised by dark, blueberry fruit characters and bay leaf, bouquet garni or dried-herb aromas.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Stand-out blends The region has gained a reputation for producing powerful yet elegant Cabernet blends, many of which involve Merlot. These wines are medium-bodied to full-bodied, with earthy characters, and ripe cassis and violet aromas. Innovative, experimental outlook From organic and biodynamic farming methods and whole-bunch fermentation in amphora to extended skin contact and experiments with alternative varieties, the next generation of Margaret River producers are pushing boundaries, changing perceptions and finding a new audience for the region around the world, ensuring it remains vibrant and vital for years to come.

DID YOU KNOW Professor Harry Olmo in the 1950s and Dr John Gladstones in the 1960s identified Margaret River as having tremendous potential, exhibiting superb conditions for viticulture.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CRUSH

OF AUST LIA’S CABERNET % TO L G PE SAUVIGNON GRAPE TYPE 1.1 C % =22.2 % % AUST LIA’S OF MARGARET RIVER’S 50 50 % TO L  B NET TOTAL CRUSH W T E RED UVIG N 1.6 C

MARGARET RIVER SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE ALTITUDE GROWING MARITIME SEASON RAINFALL L  - MEAN JANUARY  AT DEGR TEMP ATU  Y S ALTITUDE 275MM 40 90M MODERATE HIGH /131 295FT 20.4°C/68.7°F 1,690 L 

Source: Wine Australia, 2017

MARGARET RIVER SNAPSHOT throughout the year, which helps moderate Latitude: temperatures and sunlight levels. Growing seasons are therefore longer and well-suited 33° 57’S – 38° 29’S. Like Coonawarra, for varieties requiring longer ripening times, Margaret River falls comfortably within the such as Cabernet Sauvignon. temperate range. Altitude: Growing season rainfall Rainfall during the growing season in Another low-altitude region, Margaret River Margaret River averages 275mm, which is sits just above sea level. on the low end of the spectrum. If there’s Climate inadequate water, vines can shut down and – Moderate. photosynthesis can stop, so wine producers – Most marked maritime climate of any may supplement with irrigation. region in Australia in terms of rainfall. – Low diurnal temperature range leads to even heat accumulation. Striking the perfect balance of hot daytime temperatures and cool nights with no frost risk, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon reaches depths of ripeness with optimal acidity levels that set it above other regions. Regions near the coast, such as Margaret River, have more evenly spread rainfall

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Margaret River soils are predominantly gravelly loam on granite and gneiss, with low SOIL overall water-holding capacity.

SOIL The Cabernet Sauvignon grape thrives in a variety of soil types, but it generally seems to find particular success with well-drained, gravel-based soils that help absorb heat and radiate it to the vines to help with ripening.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide NOTABLE MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON PRODUCERS Many of Margaret River’s wine producers have become beacons for fine Australian Cabernet, including: – Cape Mentelle – – – Juniper Estate – – – Vasse Felix –

SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS Coonawarra and Margaret River are Australia’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon regions. What are their similarities? Their differences? And how does it impact the wines they produce?

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Murray R

Calder Hwy

VICTORIA

Northern Hwy

Hume Hwy

Western Hwy YA A AV 

Yarra R

Princes Hwy

Princes Hwy

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide YARRA VALLEY

- Victoria’s first major wine-growing district - Cool-climate style - Renowned for classic styles and, more recently, a growing number of alternative varieties

YARRA VALLEY

YARRA VALLEY Cool-climate style The Yarra Valley in the state of Victoria is The best examples of Yarra Cabernet boast one of Australia’s foremost cool-climate an aromatic character and an elegance regions, making classic wine styles from that you rarely find in fuller bodied reds from a wide range of grape varieties, including warmer regions of Australia. With optimal Cabernet Sauvignon. cellaring conditions, these wines can age for 10 to 20 years and beyond. Victoria’s first major wine-growing district Here, winemakers often blend the Cabernet Sauvignon grape with small proportions of Due to its close proximity to Melbourne, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The aromatic the Yarra Valley was the state of Victoria’s and flavour characteristics of Cabernet- first major wine-growing district. Its history based wines include red and black currant, stretches back to the mid-1800s. But like dark , and leafy and vegetable many regions in Victoria, its viticultural characteristics, such as herbs, tomato, progression came to a halt in the early 1900s capsicum and . They generally have due to both general economic depression hints of woody notes from barrel aging; in the region and a consumer preference at younger wines display spice and vanilla the time for fortified wines. The resurgence characters, with older examples displaying of interest in winemaking began in the 1970s cedar and leather. with pioneers like Dr Bailey Carrodus from Yarra Yering, Reg Egan from Wantirna Estate, Dr John Middleton from Mount Mary and Guill de Pury from Yeringberg – vineyards that are still leaders in the region today.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CRUSH CABERNET GRAPE TYPE SAUVIGNON OF % AUST LIA’S = % % % TO L G PE 5.8 0.2 C OF YARRA VALLEY’S 35 65 TOTAL CRUSH W T E RED

YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT

CLIMATE GROWING ALTITUDE CONTINENTAL SEASON RAINFALL L  - MEAN JANUARY  AT DEGR TEMP ATU  Y S 400550MM ALTITUDE 50 350M COOL MEDIUM ME UM /164 1,148FT 18.7°C/65.7°F 1,352

Source: Wine Australia, 2017

Making room for more Although the climate in Yarra Valley In recent years, a selection of alternative is neither maritime-influenced nor varieties, including , , moderate, the region produces exceptional and Grüner Veltliner, have joined the Yarra Cabernet Sauvignon. Valley’s classic modern varieties – Cabernet Growing season rainfall Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and The Yarra Valley experiences most of its rain Shiraz. This also means a similar emergence during winter and spring, with the summer of bold and exciting winemakers who are being relatively cool, dry and humid. challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the Yarra Mean January temperature Valley. All of this makes for a very exciting In the cool-temperature range, Yarra Valley future for this historic wine region. experiences a long, slow ripening period to produce some flavoursome grapes and YARRA VALLEY SNAPSHOT wines. Temperature hazards such as spring Latitude frosts can be a risk. 37° 49’S Heat degree days Altitude With this number of HDD – which falls in the The altitude is quite varied at 50 metres ‘medium’ range – Yarra Valley is well-suited to 350 metres (164–1,148ft) above sea level. for Cabernet Sauvignon. Climate – One of Australia’s coolest regions – Rainfall dominant in winter and spring – Cool, dry and humid summers.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide The Yarra Valley’s northern side feature soils of grey to grey-brown on the surface, and from loamy sand to clay loam in consistency with red-brown clay subsoils, often filled with rock. The other major soil type is the immensely deep and fertile red SOIL volcanic soil on the southern side of the valley.

SOIL NOTABLE YARRA VALLEY CABERNET The Yarra Valley’s diverse topography SAUVIGNON PRODUCERS is reflected in its various soil types. The Yarra Valley is known for its cool-climate traditional grape-growing areas on the Cabernet Sauvignon of subtlety and grace. northern side of the valley feature soils of Find them at wineries including: grey to grey-brown in colour on the surface, – Dominique Portet and range from loamy sand to clay loam in – Mac Forbes consistency with red-brown clay subsoils, – Mount Mary often filled with rock. The other major soil – Seville Estate type is the immensely deep and fertile red – Wantirna Estate Vineyard volcanic soil in the southern side of the – Yarra Yering valley. The variation in altitude and soil Yeringberg types in this hilly region creates differences – in climates and exposure, which suits some varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide Stuart Hwy Barrier Hwy

Eyre Hwy

C  

Flinders Hwy V A  

Lincoln Hwy

Sturt Hwy

ED VA 

ADELAIDE M C   N V A L E  NG RNE Ouyen Hwy C R  K

Dukes Hwy

Riddoch Hwy BEST OF THE RESTPrinces Hwy

BEST OF THE REST In Eden Valley, high-quality Cabernets In addition to Coonawarra, Margaret River boast perfectly ripened cassis-accented and the Yarra Valley, a number of other fruit flavours. These contrast with wine Australian regions that are stars on the from higher, cooler sites with more elegant Cabernet Sauvignon scene include: undertones of green leaf and dark-berry characters. – McLaren Vale In Clare Valley, you’ll find luscious, – Langhorne Creek powerful Cabernets with riper, richer – Eden Valley dark-fruit characters than their cool-climate – Clare Valley counterparts. Here, winemakers often blend McLaren Vale, another moderate to warm Cabernet with Shiraz and sometimes a maritime-influenced climate, produces little Malbec. full-bodied, rich wines with dense, dark- fruited expressions, chalky tannins, and FUN FACT notes of dark chocolate, mint and cedar. These wines can age quite well, especially CABERNET SAUVIGNON in cooler vintages. GROWS ON EVERY Langhorne Creek produces full-bodied, rich, flavourful Cabernets with soft tannins and CONTINENT EXCEPT ripe black-fruit flavours. Langhorne Creek’s ANTARCTICA. signature style typically blends Australian Shiraz with the Cabernet.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CHARACTERISTICS AND FLAVOUR PROFILES

CHARACTERISTICS

COLOUR FLAVOURS Cabernet Sauvignon – Black cherry – Blackcurrant Light Medium Full – Mint BODY – Eucalyptus – Capsicum bell pepper Dry Medium dry Sweet – Cassis SWEETNESS

Low Medium High TANNIN OAK FLAVOURS with notes of ACIDIT Y toast or vanilla

8% 13.5–15.5% 17% AUSTRALIAN

ALCOHOL CABERNET SAUVIGNON

TIME TO TASTE! NOW IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO TASTE AND DISCUSS YOUR SELECTED MIX OF WINES.

CHARACTERISTICS AND FLAVOUR PROFILES Cabernet Sauvignons are known for their intensity – colour, flavour, acidity and tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide FOOD PAIRINGS

FATTY MEATS BEEF CUTS BEEF STEW DUCK BREAST such as lamb such as ribs and chops scotch fillet

FOOD PAIRING Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex, multi-layered wine. With its high tannins and rich, fruity flavours, it matches well with foods that are high in , which includes a lot of meat dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide UNITED KINGDOM CHINA 7% 3 % EXPORT MOST DESTINATIONS

PLANTED HONG VARIETY CANADA KONG 5% 4% IN THE WORLD UNITED STATES 25% CABERNET SAUVIGNON BY NUMBERS

EXPORTS TOP 3 RED VARIETIES PLANTINGS

Approx. % MILLION LITRES % % 130 roughly 34,342 gallons 47 12 26 24,682 % OF AUSTRALIAN I  Z M  L O T  B NET = WINE EXPORTS = 18% U V I G N 16 AUSTRALIAN TOTAL

Source: Wine Australia, 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER – Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich viticultural history in Australia dating back to the mid-1800s, with what are believed to be the world’s oldest productive Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted at Penfolds Block 42 Kalimna in 1886. – Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce deeply coloured red wines with lots of tannin, bright acidity and easily recognisable aromas. – Cabernet Sauvignon can grow in a variety of climates, but it’s a late-ripening vine that thrives best in warm to cool, dry regions with a maritime influence. – Although Cabernet Sauvignon has achieved great success as a single-variety wine, winemakers often blend it with other varieties including Shiraz, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Blending often produces a more easy-drinking wine, with these other grapes smoothing any gaps in Cabernet’s flavour profile. – South Australia’s Coonawarra and Western Australia’s Margaret River are the country’s leading Cabernet Sauvignon regions, but other regions including the Yarra Valley in Victoria and McLaren Vale in South Australia have emerged as producers of exceptional Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. – Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines have great ageing potential – high-quality wines have the structure and complexity to age for decades.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide CABERNET SAUVIGNON AUSTRALIA’S COMPLEX GEM

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: AN AUSTRALIAN SUCCESS STORY Cabernet Sauvignon is an essential part of Australian wine’s heritage. Known and appreciated for its dominant features in classic blends, it’s solidified its status as a single grape variety that creates rewarding, complex wines. The quality of the wines run the gamut, from affordable, everyday table wines to some of Australia’s most sought- after, collectible fine wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon and blends / Educator guide THANK YOU