The variety Cabernet Sauvignon drives the global wine business. It is not an ancient variety and popped up as a cross in the French region of Bordeaux a few centuries ago, lets say about 1750.
Bordeaux reds were enjoyed by the English aristocracy, termed Clarets, and the habit spread globally so the Port de Bordeaux became a hub for global shipping. As planting spread in new world countries Cabernet became the preferred variety though in the 1950s in South Australia not much was planted.
So, the swing to table wines at this time saw the use of Shiraz and the deficit of Cabernet was not filled till the 1980s. Magnificent Barossa Cabernets were made in the 1950s which showed us how exotic and interesting they were.
Still the Barossa became synonymous with Shiraz and Barossa Cabernet as the ‘go to wine’ did not develop. Interest has grown since 2010 and Glug is thankful that so many customers now enjoy Barossa Cabernet. Both great Barossa wine making pioneers Max Schubert and Colin Gramp will be pleased.
