What is Ruby Cabernet a crossing of?

Ruby Cabernet is indeed a crossing of Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal was developed in the 1970s with the intention of creating a grape that could retain the fruity characteristics of Carignan while gaining the structure and aging potential typical of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The blend of these two grape varieties provides a wine that often exhibits a balance of fruit-forward flavors combined with the tannic backbone associated with Cabernets, which contributes to aging potential and complexity. This crossing was particularly aimed at producing a variety suitable for California's climate and agricultural conditions, making it resilient while still appealing to contemporary wine preferences.

The identification of Ruby Cabernet this way is significant for winemakers, as it informs them about the expected attributes in terms of flavor profile and vinification practices, as well as how it might perform in different terroirs. Understanding these relationships is a key component of wine education and sommelier training.