The red grape variety originates from France. There are about 60 synonyms attesting to its age and worldwide distribution in almost all wine producing countries. 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 analysis, which had just become popular at the time. This happened more or less by chance when the DNA profiles of the most important varieties cultivated in California were determined and compared while creating 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 it was often confused with Cabernet Franc, especially in the 19th century, but also with the variety Carmenère (direct descendant of Cabernet Franc). The worldwide surprise was so great because until then it had been doubted that white varieties could be involved in the creation of red ones.
A somatic mutation with white berry colour discovered in Australia is the variety Shalistin. Two open-pollinated seedlings (with thus unknown father varieties) are Cygne Blanc and Negru Aromat. Due to its excellent characteristics, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular crossing partner for new varieties. Offspring in this respect include Amurg, Arcas, Arinarnoa, Baron, Biser, Cabaret Noir, Cabernet Blanc, Cabernet Carbon, Cabernet Carol, Cabernet Cabernet...
