Origins       

• Bordeaux region. Known by 18thC
• Now much more widely planted in Bordeaux than Cabernet Sauvignon

Characteristics   

• Productive - high yielding …but early budding, so vulnerable to frost (e.g. 1956)
• In comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon: higher sugars and appealing fruitiness; lower tannins (so can be enjoyed sooner); lower acidity (ditto, but danger of being soft and flabby); slightly higher alcohol; fruit quality - plums?        

Vinification / Maturation

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Also takes to oak

Homeland       

The Libournais = right bank in Bordeaux, St. Emilion and Pomerol

• Enjoys damper, clay soils
• Usually around 2/3 of blend in right bank wines
• Summit: Pomerols such as Pétrus and Le Pin

Also to be found in…

• France: throughout Bordeaux satellites e.g. Cotes de Duras, Bergerac; Languedoc, as Vin de Pays
• Italy: throughout north, esp. N.E. Can be dilute and dull
• US:   California and Washington State
• South Africa: often seem more as a  blending agent
• New Zealand: some success in North Island