Definition

Noun: A specific variety of dark-skinned wine grape, highly regarded for producing superior quality red wine. It is a primary grape of the Bordeaux region in France and is also extensively cultivated in other major wine regions, notably northern California.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the grape cultivar itself, not the wine produced from it. It is used in viticultural and oenological contexts.

Examples

• The cabernet sauvignon grape is known for its thick skin and small berries.
• Vineyards in Napa Valley are famous for cultivating the cabernet sauvignon grape.
• The flavor profile of the cabernet sauvignon grape includes notes of blackcurrant and green bell pepper.

Advanced Usage

• In formal wine writing, the term is used to discuss clonal selection, viticultural practices, or the characteristics of the fruit itself, distinct from the finished wine ("Cabernet Sauvignon").
• It can be part of a compound noun when specifying a product or attribute directly related to the fruit, e.g., "cabernet sauvignon grape seeds."

Variants and Related Words

• Cabernet Sauvignon (noun): The name of the red wine produced primarily from this grape.
• Cabernet (noun): A common shortening for "Cabernet Sauvignon" (the wine).

Synonyms

• 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (scientific/binomial name).

Notes on Different Meanings

This term has a single, specific meaning as defined. It is not to be confused with "Cabernet Sauvignon," which primarily refers to the wine. The phrase "cabernet sauvignon grape" explicitly specifies the fruit.

Noun

1. superior red wine grapes grown especially in the Bordeaux region of France and northern California