Thought to be one of the parent grape varieties that gave rise to the Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar in Bordeaux in the late 17th century. Just like Cabernet Sauvignon it is full of tannin, but less outspoken in aroma and taste, and somewhat more herbal and spicy.
While it has come to play an important though minor role in Bordeaux blends otherwise dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it is a major grape variety of the Loire Valley in France where it is considered the foundation grape for the best red wines from the region. These wines are fruity, violet and raspberry scented, with medium body and exceptional charm.
Given the superb climatic conditions of the warm to cool regions of Australia, with the longer than usual ripening period and the resulting increase in grape flavours and aromas in the wine, we decided to re-introduce it to our list of unblended varietal wines.