Ruby Cabernet is a red wine grape variety that is valued for its drought resistance if
not for the quality of its wines. A cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and
Carignan, it can produce wines with good colour and a pleasant cherry flavour, but is mostly
blended into bulk wines.[1]
History
Ruby Cabernet is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan created in 1936 by Dr
Harold Olmo at UC Davis in
California. The intention was to combine Carignan's heat tolerance with
Cabernet Sauvignon's quality, like the Cinsaut x Pinot Noir
cross that led to Pinotage a few years previously.
Distribution and Wines
Argentina
A little is grown in Argentina, for instance Viñedo de los Vientos blend it with
tannat.
Australia
Small amounts are grown in the Hunter Valley and Murray-Darling region, disappearing into nondescript blends.
Chile
Some Ruby Cabernet is supposedly grown in Chile, but few wines will admit to it on the label.
South Africa
For a while Ruby Cabernet was thought to hold a lot of promise for the hotter regions of South Africa, but in practice
problems with fruit set have limited its success.
USA
Ruby Cabernet is mostly planted in California, particularly in the Central Valley where it adds colour and backbone to bulk
wines.
Vine and Viticulture
The vine is very drought resistant, and stands up well to high winds. Poor fruit set has been a problem in South Africa, and
it is vulnerable to powdery mildew.
Synonyms
none
References
- ^ Robinson, Jancis Vines, Grapes & Wines Mitchell
Beazley 1986 ISBN 1857329996
See also
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