Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's best-known and most widely planted black grape varieties, originating in the Bordeaux region of France, where it arose as a natural crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Now found on every winegrowing continent, the variety has become a benchmark for structured, long-lived red wines capable of extended ageing, and is often called the "king" of red varieties because of its prestige and its consistent quality.

In the Republic of Moldova, Cabernet Sauvignon occupies one of the largest areas among the red varieties and ranks first among those grown in the protected geographical indication zones. The variety has adapted very well to the Moldovan continental climate, being vigorous, late-ripening and well able to withstand local conditions. It finds ideal conditions above all in the south of the country, in the Valul lui Traian and Ștefan Vodă regions, where abundant heat favours full ripening, but it also gives notable results in the central Codru zone, where the resulting wines are fresher and leaner, with a more elegant character.

Characteristics of the wine

Cabernet Sauvignon wines have an intense ruby-red colour, a firm tannic structure and remarkable maturation potential. In youth they develop aromas of blackcurrant, plum, black cherry, bell pepper and vegetal notes, while ageing in oak barrels brings complex shades of cedar, tobacco, leather, dark chocolate and spices. Balanced acidity and rich tannins give the wine longevity, many examples gaining significantly in complexity and finesse after years of bottle maturation, when the tannins round out and the aromas evolve towards tertiary notes.

Food pairings

Thanks to its body and tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon goes excellently with beef roasts, oven-baked lamb, game and matured cheeses, the tannins being balanced by the proteins and fats of the meat. It is also a classic partner for substantial Moldovan dishes such as tochitură, spiced roast pork or grilled meats seasoned with herbs.

In Moldova the variety is vinified by almost all the important wineries and is frequently used both as a single-variety wine and in Bordeaux-style blends alongside Merlot and the native Rară Neagră — an established formula that underpins some of the most admired and most awarded Moldovan red wines, among them the historic wines of Purcari.