The Cabernet Sauvignon grape was developed in Bordeaux, France. It was introduced in Brazil in 1921, but its cultivation in the viticultural region of Serra Gaúcha only grew since 1980. It is used in the manufacture of aged or young red wines. Due to its importance, this work was carried out to determine its agronomic and winemaking characteristics. To achieve this purpose, variables related to the berries, clusters, must, and wine were performed from 1987 to 1992. The results showed that clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon are of medium size (149.3g) and its berries are small (1.40g). The must have good sugar content with adequate titratable acidity (120meqL-1). The wine is characterized by high concentrations of higher alcohols; its predominant aroma is of bell pepper, which is a varietal characteristic. It has a nice body and structure and a very nice distinguishability.
enology; grape; Vitis vinifera; wine; characterization
