The red grape variety originates from France. There are about 60 synonyms; some grouped alphabetically by country are Franzosenrebe (Germany); Kaberne Sovinjon, Kaberne Sovinyon, Lafit, Lafite (Bulgaria, Moldova, Russia); Bidure, Bouchet, Bouchet Sauvignon, Breton, Cabernet Petit, Carbonet, Carbouet, Carmenet, Castet, Enfin, Epicier Noir, Marchoupet, Navarre, Petit Bouchet, Petit Bouschet, Petit Cabernet, Petit Cavernet Sauvignon, Petite Vidure, Sauvignon, Sauvignonne, Vidure, Vidure Sauvignonne, Vigne Dure (France); Bordo (Romania); Bordeaux (Switzerland); Burdeos Tinto (Peru, Spain); Cab (USA).
By the way, Cabernet Sauvignon was the first classic variety whose parentage was determined by means of DNA analyses, which had just become popular at that time. This happened more or less by chance when the DNA profiles of the most important varieties cultivated in California were determined and compared during the creation of a genetic database. This was done in 1997 by Dr. Carole Meredith and John Bowers at the University of California and revealed a parentage Cabernet Franc x Sauvignon Blanc. This is also the reason why, especially in the 19th century, it was often confused with Cabernet Franc, but also with the Carmenère variety (direct descendant of Cabernet Franc). The worldwide surprise was so big because until then it had been doubted that white varieties could be involved in the origin of red ones.
A colour mutation discovered in Australia is the white-berried Shalistin, an open-pollinated seedling Cygne Blanc. Because of its outstanding characteristics, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular cross worldwide and, with about 80 new varieties, is the second most popular cultivar after Riesling. Direct descendants are Arcas, Arinarnoa, Baron, Biser, Cabaret Noir, Cabernet Blanc, Cabernet Carbon, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Colonjes, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Cubin,...
