Happy Cabernet Sauvignon day! 

So today is my day off from recording video, instead then, I want to talk about how on earth it is that Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra can sometimes taste like it has eucalyptus flavours in it!?

Well first things first. It's not unusual for Cabernet Sauvignon to have some herbal notes to it. Sometimes this can come across as mint or bell pepper in cooler vintages or cooler climates, as well as eucalyptus. This is due to compounds found in the grape skin which are called methoxypyrazines. The reason for this is that methoxypyrazines are often accumulated over time, so a cooler climate means slower ripening and more time on the vine. Also methoxypyrazines are more easily broken down by heat, so a cooler climate means they are more safe. All this contributes to them having a greater taste and aroma impact in the final wine. 

The second reason that it is particularly strong in this region? Eucalyptus trees of course. Eucalyptol can be stripped from nearby trees in the vine…