These are some of the properties and characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon

grape:

• Produces hard wood.
• Fertility may be a problem. The last grapes ripen late in the season.
• Rather susceptible to downy and powdery mildew. It has a strong resistance to botrytis because it has a thick skin.
• Leaves are shiny and dark green with five lobes and overlapping. They are perforated.

Berries are small, very black and round and give lots of colour to the wine. The skin is thick and tough with big pips. The pips add to the tannin, which is extracted during the fermentation process.

If someone gives you a glass of wine and asks you what wine it is, here are characteristics that will help you identify the varietal:

Berries, Cigar Box, Damp soil, Earthy, Dead wet leaves, Tea leaves, Mint, Eucalyptus, Pencil shavings, Vanilla, Prune, Plums, Slight pepper.