In Napa Valley they like Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape accounts for 40% of the Napa grape surface and 60% of the value of its wines. Now, says Chris Carpenter, cabernet specialist and winemaker, this dependence on Cabernet Sauvignon can be dangerous. Napa would be hit hard if a disease or a virus that affects that particular grape show up in the region. Moreover, he does not necessarily believe that Cabernet is the best grape for the warm climate in Napa Valley.
He encourages growers to invest in classic California grapes instead, like Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Charbono. The first two we know about, but Charbono? This is obviously the French Savoie grape Corbeau, also called Douce Noire. It has spread not only in California but also to Mendoza in Argentina, where it is called Bonarda and is very popular. In France, however, it has all but disappeared.
Read more: thedrinksbusiness.com.
