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Cabernet Grape

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS  /  rich · fruity · aromatic
Cabernet Grape
Cabernet Grape perfume ingredient
CategoryFRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategoryrich · fruity · aromatic
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalVitis vinifera
AppearanceSmall dark blue-black berries with thick skin; in perfumery, a recreated vinous-fruity accord
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesFrance
PyramidHeart

Dark-skinned, tannic, with bell pepper pyrazines and blackcurrant depth. The grape, not the wine.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery

Scent

Cabernet grape smells of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, with earthy undertones and a hint of green bell pepper that adds complexity.

Scent Evolution

As it develops, the fragrance reveals deeper notes, often with hints of plum and subtle spice. This layered profile makes it a useful perfumery material, rich yet clean.

Signature Accords

In aged compositions, the Cabernet grape's scent may develop nuances of leather and tobacco, recalling a wine cellar. As it develops, the scent grows warmer.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Initially, it smells like ripe blackberries with a hint of earthiness.
After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few hours, it develops deeper notes of plum and subtle spice.
After a few days

After a few days

On a blotter after 24 hours, it may reveal nuances of leather and tobacco.

The Full Story

The Cabernet grape includes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Native to the Bordeaux region of France, it is widely grown for wine and thrives in diverse climates and soil types, producing grapes that yield wines of notable depth and character.

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, the Cabernet grape is associated with fine wine. Its juicy pulp and dark skins give a rich, berry-like scent that is captured to enhance fragrances.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

Cabernet grapes for fragrance extraction are harvested at peak ripeness, then processed to extract their aromatic qualities for use in perfumes and scented candles.

Role in Perfumery

Cabernet grapes are used in perfumery as a scent note, valued for the complexity of the wines they evoke.

Did You Know?

Cabernet grapes are used in winemaking and contain aromatic compounds used in fragrance formulations.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Cabernet grapes are valued for winemaking and contain unique aromatic compounds that enhance their allure in fragrance formulations.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: No commercial grape essential oil or absolute exists for perfumery. The Cabernet grape note is a fantasy accord recreated using fruity-winey synthetic compounds.

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture (no single formula)
CAS NumberN/A — natural fruit, no single CAS
Botanical NameVitis vinifera
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsCABERNET SAUVIGNON · CABERNET FRANC
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearanceSmall dark blue-black berries with thick skin; in perfumery, a recreated vinous-fruity accord

In Perfumery

In perfumery, Cabernet grape is typically a heart note, providing a rich and fruity character that can anchor a fragrance.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.