Cabernet Noir

Summary

Cabernet Noir is a deeply colored, intensely flavored red PIWI variety developed by Swiss breeder Valentin Blattner, producing powerful wines that rival traditional Cabernet family varieties in depth and structure. Among the most successful Blattner crossings for premium red wine production, Cabernet Noir demonstrates that disease-resistant varieties can produce serious, age-worthy wines without compromising on intensity or quality. With approximately 100 hectares planted and growing, Cabernet Noir is increasingly sought by winemakers wanting to produce bold reds with minimal environmental impact.

Identity

VIVC: Entry #23636
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)

Breeding Number: VB 91-26-6

Creator: Valentin Blattner, Soyhières, Switzerland
Year: 1991 (crossing)

Genetic Origin

Parentage: Includes Cabernet Sauvignon genetics × disease-resistant varieties

Note: Exact parentage is proprietary information retained by Valentin Blattner, but includes:

Cabernet Sauvignon (providing varietal character, color, structure)
Multiple resistance sources from hybrid material

Breeding Goal: Create a disease-resistant variety producing intensely colored, powerful wines

Result: Successfully achieved; among the deepest-colored PIWI varieties

Relationship to Other Blattner Varieties

Cabernet Noir is part of Blattner’s Cabernet-influenced series:

Variety	Character	Focus
Cabernet Noir	Intense, powerful	Depth, concentration
Cabernet Jura	Structured, age-worthy	Elegance with structure
Pinotin	Pinot-like	Finesse
Sauvignac	Sauvignon-like white	Aromatics

Disease Resistance Profile

Disease	Resistance Level	Notes
Downy Mildew	VERY HIGH	Near immune
Powdery Mildew	HIGH	Strong resistance
Botrytis	MEDIUM-HIGH	Good resistance
Black Rot	HIGH	Good resistance

Spray Reduction: 80-95% reduction vs. traditional varieties

Practical Impact: Premium red wine production with minimal environmental footprint

Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~100 hectares

Country	Hectares	Notes
Switzerland	~50	Origin; established
Germany	~30	Growing
Austria	~10	Emerging
France	~5	Trial plantings
Other	~5	Various

Growth Trend: Increasing as winemakers seek intense, sustainable reds

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

Vigor: Medium
Growth Habit: Semi-erect
Budbreak: Medium
Flowering: Mid-season
Véraison: Medium-late
Harvest: Medium-late

Climate Requirements

Ideal Climate: Cool to moderate continental
Heat Summation: 1,300-1,700 GDD (base 10°C)
Key Feature: Achieves intensity in cooler conditions
Frost: Good tolerance

Soil Preferences

Adaptable: Various wine soils
Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
Effect: Terroir influences expression

Viticultural Management

Training: Guyot or cordon
Pruning: Standard practices
Yield Control: 50-70 hl/ha for quality (lower for premium)
Spray Program: MINIMAL to ZERO

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Optimal Range	Notes
Brix	23-26°	Good sugar accumulation
pH	3.4-3.7	Moderate
Titratable Acidity	5.5-7.0 g/L	Good structure
YAN	180-280 mg/L	Generally adequate

Phenolic Profile

Anthocyanins: VERY HIGH (exceptional color)
Total Tannins: HIGH (powerful structure)
Color Stability: Excellent

Key Characteristic: Color Depth

Cabernet Noir produces some of the deepest-colored PIWI wines:

Nearly opaque purple-black
Exceptional color stability
Rivals traditional varieties for visual impact

Fermentation

Yeast Selection: Robust strains
Temperature: 26-32°C
Duration: 10-21 days
Maceration: Extended (21-35 days) for premium
Cap Management: Regular punch-downs

Wine Style

Style	Method	Character
Powerful	Extended maceration, new oak	Intense, concentrated
Classic	Standard maceration, oak	Balanced, approachable
Blend	With other PIWI	Multi-variety depth

Oak Aging

Recommended: 15-24 months
Type: French oak barriques
New Oak: 40-60% (variety can handle)
Effect: Integrates power, adds complexity

Aging Potential

Minimum: 3-5 years before optimal
Premium: 10-20 years
Character: Develops classic aged Cabernet notes

Sensory Profile

Visual

Intensity: VERY DEEP, OPAQUE
Hue: Purple-black
Character: Among the most deeply colored wines

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Fruit	BLACK FRUIT (cassis, blackberry, black cherry)
Spice	Black pepper, clove
Herbal	Subtle herbs
Oak	Cedar, vanilla, toast, smoke
Tertiary	Leather, tobacco, graphite

Palate

Body: FULL
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: POWERFUL, FIRM
Alcohol: High (13.5-15%)
Finish: Long, concentrated

Style Description

Cabernet Noir produces wines that are:

Intensely colored
Powerfully structured
Deeply flavored
Age-worthy
Comparable to traditional Cabernet/Syrah blends

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

Power Management: Can be overwhelming if over-extracted
Oak Balance: Powerful fruit needs careful integration
Recognition: Unknown to most consumers
Appellation Status: Limited authorization
Market Position: Communicating value

Opportunities

Intensity Seekers: Appeals to bold red wine lovers
Color: Exceptional visual impact
Sustainability: Premium quality with low impact
Blending: Adds depth to assemblages
Cellaring: Age-worthy character

Winemaking Tips

Full phenolic ripeness essential
Extended maceration enhances concentration
New oak integrates well
Allow extended bottle aging
Can be overwhelming—balance is key

Characteristic	Cabernet Noir	Cabernet Jura	Regent
Color	Very Deep	Deep	Deep
Body	Full	Full	Medium-Full
Tannins	Powerful	Firm	Soft
Intensity	High	High	Medium
Style	Bold	Elegant	Accessible

Comparison with Traditional Varieties

Characteristic	Cabernet Noir	Cabernet Sauvignon	Syrah
Color	Very Deep	Very Deep	Deep
Body	Full	Full	Full
Tannins	Powerful	Firm	Moderate-Firm
Character	Black fruit, powerful	Cassis, structured	Pepper, meaty
Disease Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Moderate

Sources

VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Blattner Varieties (breeder documentation)
PIWI International Association
Swiss Wine Promotion
German Wine Institute

Last Updated: January 13, 2026