Grapes into wine: Cooler-climate Cabernets

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most-planted wine grape. Mainstream popularity is not always a marker of quality, but in this case we are talking about a seriously strong leader: distinctive, intense, delicious flavour; pronounced aroma; deep colour; and architecture from tannin and acidity.

Reigning supreme on the left bank of Bordeaux in southwest France, it heads up a crack team of grapes in formidable, ageworthy red wines, supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

These blends are copied, with many notable successes, across the globe. I spent some time at the historic Yeringberg estate in the Yarra Valley just outside Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, during the 2024 harvest.

At this 1863-founded domaine, fourth-generation winemaker Sandra de Pury and her viticulturist brother David compose one of Australia's most celebrated red wines. Known simply as the Yeringberg red, it is a five-way blend of these Bordeaux varieties.

The making of this wine opens an insightful window onto the whys and wherefores of crafting a fine example of this universally adored style of wine.

I am very grateful to the de Pury family and their harvest team for inviting me to hang around and helping put together the footage accompanying this video.