Fascinating Places Cabernet Sauvignon is Grown in France

Last Updated on October 21st, 2022

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of France’s most renowned grapes. It is one of the six historical noble grapes used by winemakers to produce the best wines. 

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape. It ‌has higher acidity, alcohol, and tannin structure, making it ideal for aging. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon wines have been amongst the best wines ever made and some of the most expensive. 

Many winemakers and wine drinkers around the world have fallen in love with Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, it is grown worldwide. It became Napa Valley, California’s flagship varietal. Outside of France, Napa has the most famous Cabernet Sauvignon wines. 

 

Who Grows the Best Cabernet Sauvignon in France?

Arguably, the best Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in its homeland of Bordeaux, France. Here, the grape is grown on the rocky soils of the left bank. 

For decades, Bordeaux winemakers have been using Cabernet Sauvignon to make some of France’s highest-rated wines. 

Bordeaux’s climate and soils are able to produce excellent quality wines. Not to mention, there is a high concentration of talented winemakers who call this region home. 

Many of these winemakers have dedicated their lives to making the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. 

 

Why is France the Best Place for Cabernet Sauvignon to Grow?

Western France has a perfectly suitable climate for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to grow. Warm summers and cool winters regulate the grape’s sugar content, making the grapes rich in sugars and tannins. 

France’s climate and soils continuously produce excellent quality wines. Not to mention, there is a high concentration of talented winemakers who call this region home. 

Many of these winemakers have dedicated their lives to making the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. 

 

Which French Regions are Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grown in?

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown primarily in Bordeaux. However, smaller amounts are grown in the Loire Valley, Provence, and Languedoc-Roussillon. Nevertheless, Bordeaux continues to produce over 60% of all Cabernet Sauvignon grown in France. 

 

When do Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grow in France?

Like all northern hemisphere grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon grows in the summer. However, the grapes begin their growing season in the late spring when temperatures warm and the buds form on the vines. 

In summer, the heat and sunlight allow the grapes to produce sugars and tannins. However, winemakers wait until just before the first frost in early fall to harvest. This is when the grapes have become fully developed, and their sugars and tannins are concentrated. 

 

Final Thoughts on Cabernet Sauvignon Growing in France

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of France’s noble grapes. Bordeaux is the leading producer of excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Western France has a perfectly suitable climate for Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to grow. 

Also, some of the best winemakers in the world work with France’s Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon grows in the summer in France. It is harvested in the fall when the grapes are full of sugar and tannin. 

 

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