As a sommelier and brewer, I am excited to delve into the question of the difference between a claret and a Cabernet. To begin with, let's clarify what exactly a claret is. The term “claret” is commonly used in Britain, albeit unofficially, to refer to red Bordeaux wine. Bordeaux, a region in France, produces red wines that are typically blends, predominantly based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.
Now, when it comes to comparing a claret and a Cabernet, it's important to note that Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the main grape varieties used in Bordeaux blends, along with Merlot. In fact, Cabernet Sauvignon often dominates the blend in the left bank of Bordeaux, where wines tend to be more structured and tannic. On the other hand, Merlot plays a more prominent role in the right bank, producing wines that are generally softer and approachable at a younger age.
While both claret and Cabernet can be made from the same grape varieties, the term “claret” is primarily associated with Bordeaux and is not commonly used outside of this context. In other words, if you come across a wine labeled as claret outside of Bordeaux, it is likely a Bordeaux-style red wine produced elsewhere, such as in the United States.
In terms of flavor profiles, clarets and Cabernets often share similarities due to the common use of Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines can exhibit dark fruit flavors such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, as well as notes of cedar, tobacco, and sometimes mint. However, the specific characteristics can vary depending on factors such as the winemaking techniques employed and the terroir of the region where the wine is produced.
It's worth mentioning that Bordeaux itself is a diverse region with various sub-regions, each contributing its own unique style to the wines. For example, wines from the Left Bank, such as those from the renowned appellations of Pauillac or Margaux, tend to be more concentrated, structured, and age-worthy, with pronounced tannins. On the other hand, wines from the Right Bank, like those from Saint-Émilion or Pomerol, tend to be softer, more approachable, and often showcase the elegance of Merlot.
In my personal experience, I have had the pleasure of tasting both clarets from Bordeaux and Cabernets from different regions, including those produced in the United States. While there can be similarities in terms of grape varietal and flavor profiles, the nuances and expressions of the wines can differ greatly.
To summarize, the term “claret” is primarily associated with red Bordeaux wines, which are blends predominantly based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon, being a key component of claret, can also be found as a varietal wine on its own, often labeled simply as “Cabernet.” While both claret and Cabernet can share certain flavor characteristics, it's important to note that claret is a term specific to Bordeaux, while Cabernet can refer to both Bordeaux-style blends and varietal wines from various regions. Ultimately, the differences lie in the regional expressions, winemaking techniques, and the balance of grape varieties used in the production of these wines.