Ampelos
Red grape

Ruby Cabernet

California, United States of America

A hot-climate red bred at UC Davis in 1936 from Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, used mostly in bulk blends.

Sensory profile

Characteristics

LightFull
LowHigh
LowHigh
Bone-dryVery sweet
Color depth
PaleDeep
Typical alcohol12.5–14.0% ABV
8%16%

Flavor & aroma

cherryplumsoft tannins

At a glance

Production facts

Prevalence

Niche

Climate

Warm climate

Ripening

Mid season

Wine styles

Still

Where it's grown

Geography

Shaded areas are the state, province or département(s) containing each region, so they run wider than the appellations themselves.

United States of America

California (San Joaquin Valley)

Its home, for easy-drinking, fruity blends.

South Africa

Western Cape

Grown for everyday reds.

Background

Origin & History

Ruby Cabernet was bred in 1936 by Dr. Harold Olmo at UC Davis, who crossed Carignan with Cabernet Sauvignon to combine Carignan's heat tolerance with Cabernet's quality. It grows well in hot, dry regions and is used in easy-drinking blends, mostly in California's San Joaquin Valley, but also in South Africa.

Lineage

Family tree

Ancestry above, descendants below. Click a related grape to explore its own lineage.

Ruby Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon
Carignan
Sauvignon Blanc
Cabernet Franc
Marselan
Grenache
This grapeAncestors & descendantsSiblings & co-parents