Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most prominent dark-skinned grape varieties except Merlot in terms of area under vines, but which comprises our largest selection of wines. Grown in just about every wine producing region and climate, Cabernet Sauvignon can express a huge range of aromas, from green peppers in cool climates through to dark jammy fruit in hot regions. Common aromas include blackcurrants, mint, graphite, and forest floor, to name a few. Maturation in small oak barrels can develop a complex range of aromas from cedar wood, cigar box and tobacco to eucalyptus and undergrowth. Cabernet Sauvignon’s success is partly due to its ability to adapt to a range of soils and climates. It is the main constituent of the Bordeaux blend in the revered communes of Pauillac, St. Estephe and St. Julien, and has achieved equal success in California’s Napa Valley. It is grown extensively throughout Southern Australia, with some outstanding examples from the Terra Rossa soil of Coonawarra. Cabernet Sauvignon also plays an increasing role in Tuscany, Italy, where it is blended with native varieties such as Sangiovese to produce the Super Tuscans.
In the district of Kavala, in eastern Macedonia, the PGI Pangeon zone (est.1995) comprises the municipal areas of Eleftheres, Eleftheroupoli, Orfani, Pangeon and Pierea. Zone vineyards must be planted at altitudes exceeding 50m.
The vineyards yielding PGI Pangeon wines lie in the southwestern part of the district of Kavala, perched on the slopes of Mount Pangeon and on Mount Symvolo, Pangeon’s southernmost peak. As archeological finds in the area reveal, winegrowing in the area dates back to antiquity and was directly linked to the ancient cult of Dionysus. With 12 area wineries producing PGI Pangeon wines, PGI Pangeon is markedly in the lead among other PGI wine zones. The 2010 revision broadened the area’s vine selection and types of wine that may be produced, thus raising expectations for more PGI Pangeon wines to assist in securing the area’s lead.
Varieties
Assyrtiko, Roditis, Malagousia, Muscat of Alexandria, Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, Agiorgitiko, Lemnio, Pamidi, Grenache Rouge, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah.
Red wine is wine made from dark-coloured grape varieties. The color of red differs based on the grapes variety or varieties used.
Interestingly, black grapes yield a juice that is greenish-white. The actual red color comes from anthocyan pigments (also called anthocyanins) from the skin of the grape (exceptions are the relatively uncommon teinturier varieties, which produce a red colored juice). Most of the production centers around the extraction of color and flavor from the grape skin.
