2019 Cloudburst Cabernet Sauvignon

Cloudburst is a small project by New Yorker Will Berliner who started making wine in his 'backyard' in Margaret River, Australia. Because the vineyards only cover 1.25 hectares, Berliner can manage his vineyards with great dedication. The very small vineyards are all organic and mainly worked by hand. If he can find reliable help, one of his main tasks is to weed out among his densely planted, almost bonsai-like vines.

He planted the first vines in 2005, but the process still continues as he continually fills holes in the vineyard. No supplemental water is used, so some vines invariably don't take root well and need to be replaced the following year - and sometimes the year after. The wines are super-terroir wines and have achieved cult status in knowledgeable circles. The price reflects the scarcity and intensive labor that Berliner devotes to the vineyard.

Margaret River is a renowned wine region located in Western Australia. It is often celebrated as one of the country's premier wine regions, and it is particularly well-known for its high-quality production of varietal wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. 

More information about Margaret River

Terroir and Climate: Margaret River is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for grape cultivation. The region benefits from maritime influences, with the Indian Ocean to the west and the Leeuwin Current, which helps moderate temperatures. This maritime influence results in mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The region's terroir is marked by gravelly, sandy soils, which provide good drainage for the vines.

Grape Varieties: Margaret River is celebrated for its high-quality production of a variety of grape varieties, with a particular focus on the following:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered the flagship grape of the region. Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their structure, elegance, and the ability to age gracefully. They often exhibit dark fruit flavors, fine tannins, and excellent balance.

2. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is another highly regarded grape variety in Margaret River. The region's Chardonnay wines are known for their complexity, displaying notes of stone fruits, citrus, and a balance of oak influence. These wines often showcase the region's natural acidity and freshness.

3. Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc: Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are commonly blended in the region to create fresh and vibrant white wines. These wines are recognized for their citrusy and herbal aromas and crisp acidity.

4. Shiraz (Syrah): Shiraz is also grown in Margaret River, producing red wines with rich dark fruit flavors and a distinct regional character.

5. Other Varieties: While Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the stars of Margaret River, the region also cultivates other grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec for red wines, as well as Chenin Blanc, Verdelho, and other white varieties.

Wineries: Margaret River is home to a diverse range of wineries, from small, family-owned operations to larger, well-established estates. Many of these wineries offer cellar door experiences, providing visitors with the opportunity to taste and purchase the region's wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard landscapes.

Wine Styles: The wines of Margaret River often emphasize elegance, finesse, and a strong sense of terroir. The region's natural beauty and unique climate contribute to wines that capture the essence of this corner of Western Australia.

Culinary Scene: In addition to its wine production, Margaret River is also known for its vibrant culinary scene, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and gourmet food producers. The region's wines are often paired with locally sourced, fresh, and seasonal dishes.

Margaret River has gained a reputation as one of Australia's leading wine regions, attracting wine enthusiasts and travelers looking to experience the unique combination of world-class wines, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle in Western Australia.

What about Margaret Rivers subregions?

Margaret River is a large wine region, and it can be further divided into several subregions or sub-areas. Each of these subregions has its own unique characteristics, microclimates, and terroir that influence the style of wines produced. Some of the prominent subregions within Margaret River include:

1. Yallingup: Yallingup is one of the northern subregions of Margaret River and is known for its proximity to the ocean. The maritime influence here helps produce wines with bright acidity and a distinct mineral character, particularly in the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc varieties.

2. Wilyabrup: Wilyabrup is situated near the center of Margaret River and is known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends. The terroir here is well-suited to red wine production, with gravelly soils and ideal growing conditions.

3. Karridale: Located in the southern part of the region, Karridale is cooler and experiences a longer growing season. This is favorable for the slow ripening of grapes, resulting in wines with elegance and complexity, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

4. Carbunup: Carbunup is another subregion in the south of Margaret River and is known for its diverse range of wines. Here, you can find quality Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, among other varieties.

5. Cowaramup: Cowaramup is known for its versatility, producing a wide range of wine styles. It is situated in the central part of Margaret River and is famous for its fine Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

6. Rosa Glen: Rosa Glen is one of the newer subregions in Margaret River, and it is gaining recognition for its potential for high-quality wine production. It is often associated with fruit-driven wines and aromatic white varieties.

Red wine is made from blue grapes. The wines get their dark colour from the skin of the grape, which ferments with the grape juice. The intensity of the colour is determined by how long the juice has matured; a young red wine will have a somewhat purple colour, while older wines tend to be more orange or brown-red.

With around 10,000 varieties of grapes worldwide, you can go in all directions.

The most well-known blue grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah / Shiraz.

Types of red wine

There are many different types of grapes with different characteristics and aromas. The differences within grape varieties are due to the difference in climate, the soil where the vines are planted, and the amount of sun.

The end result is in the hands of the winemaker. During the process from juice to wine, the winemaker still has a lot of options to change the final product into what he wants to put on the market.

The upbringing of the wine plays a major role in this. After fermentation, the process of raising and maturing the wine begins. There are many options for influencing the wine, but the most well-known concerns the ageing in wood.

If the winemaker chooses to raise the wine on wood, many things come into play. The first choice is whether new or older barrels will be used. Older, used barrels release less or no more aromas and tannins, but they still have an oxidative function. New wood barrels let in dosed oxygen and ensure that the wine has aromas and tannins. This is more intense with smaller barrels than with large wooden barrels.

Dry red wine

The most famous red wine is a dry red wine. The number of grape varieties and different taste profiles are enormous. There is a nice glass of red for every moment.

Sweet red wine

Just like sweet white wine, there is sweet red wine too! They are a lot rarer than dry red wines. If you want to try something different, it's definitely worth a try.

Alcohol-free red wine

Non-alcoholic wine is becoming more and more popular. Whether it is red non-alcoholic wine, white non-alcoholic wine, or sparkling non-alcoholic wine, more and more attention is being paid to it. Perfect for a cosy drink during pregnancy, or during a non-alcoholic month!

Red wine Gift

Red wine is fun to give, and even more fun to receive! Grandcruwijnen has ready-made wine gifts to make your gift recipient happy ;)

If you have your eye on a bottle of wine, at Grandcruwijnen we also have gift packaging to complete your gift! If you've found something you like, you can easily add a gift card during checkout.

Buy red wine online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily buy red wine online. In our range, you will find products from the well-known grape varieties. If you want to buy a nice red wine, you have come to the right place at Grandcruwijnen. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us!

Cabernet Sauvignon is a red grape variety. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a very well-known grape and gives a full flavour and a dark colour. The ripening process is very important.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most recognized grape varieties for red wine. The grapes are grown in almost every major wine-producing country in a wide spectrum of climates, from Australia, Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, to even China. 

Although the grapes are grown worldwide, most Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from France, Chile, Australia and South Africa.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape ripens late, which is why it thrives best in warm climates. In Bordeaux it is just fine, especially in the relatively warm Entre-Deux Mer and on the dry gravel soils of Médoc and Graves. 

What does a Cabernet Sauvignon wine taste like?

The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most well-behaved boy in the vineyard. He rarely abandons his owner. A Cabernet Sauvignon always gives scents and flavors of blackcurrant and spicy aromas. The difference of which aromas emerge is decided during the maturation process. If a Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in small wooden barrels, then more aromas of coffee, spices and toast will come to the fore.

What temperature should you drink Cabernet Sauvignon?

Over the occasion, a red wine should be drunk at a temperature slightly cooler than room temperature. A Cabernet Sauvignon's ideal serving temperature is 16°C, but the aromas of the wine will come out well between 15 and 18°C.