There are many international options of Cabernet sauvignon to consider.Instants/stock
Most of the top-selling wines in Canada are cabernet sauvignons, sporting the labels of popular California brands such as Josh, J. Lohr, Tom Gore, Bread & Butter and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. But Canadian consumers were searching for suitable alternatives before products were scrubbed from shelves and online sites this week.
There’s good and bad news for anyone looking for new favourites. Cabernet sauvignon is the most widely planted wine grape variety in the world, which means there are many international options to consider. That said, finding a fruitful counterpart can be challenging.
For instance, Chile is a consistent source of tasty and good value cabernet, but its mix of herbal and vibrant fruit flavours hits differently than California’s ripe and oaky style. Try Perez Cruz Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon to get a handle on the smooth and savoury style commonly found in the Maipo Valley.
Made in Canada substitutes that accurately match the flavour profile and price point also remain elusive. The late ripening grape variety is difficult to ripen and expensive to produce in vineyards in British Columbia and Ontario. Other varieties cultivated for red wine in this country can be made more affordably, but don’t compare stylistically.
Here’s why I think bottles from Argentina and Australia are more suitable counterparts.
Argentina Cabernet
Red wine represents 60 per cent of Argentina’s annual grape harvest, with local heroes malbec and bonarda leading the way. Cabernet sauvignon sits in third spot, offering tremendous character and value for money to adventurous wine lovers. Most cabernet vines are found in Mendoza and San Juan, but provocatively spicy and flavourful examples from Salta in the northwest of the country are turning up here with increasing frequency. Labels to watch: Catena High Mountain Vines, Cobos Felino, Don David, La Mascota, Luigi Bosca, Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
Australia Cabernet
Following shiraz and chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon is the third leading grape variety produced in Australia. It’s planted in most wine regions, with the best examples coming from Coonawarra in South Australia and Margaret River in Western Australia. Its style is generous and plush, with ripe dark fruit flavours enhanced by oak derived notes. Labels to watch: Barossa Valley Estate, Penfolds Max’s Reserve, Wolf Blass Yellow Label, Wynn’s The Siding, Wynn’s Black Label, Xanadu Circa 77, Yalumba Y Series