Olmo grapes

It is a cross between the Vitis vinifera varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan that was first trialed by Dr. Olmo in 1936 before being released in 1948.

According to wine expert Jancis Robinson, Ruby Cabernet can have some aromas reminiscent of a young Cabernet Sauvignon with the color of a Carignan but it lacks the structure and body to produce premium wines.

[2] Outside of the United States, the variety can also be found in Australia, Argentina, Chile, Israel and South Africa.

[2] It is also used quite extensively in Israel, where big wineries use it to produce light, and aromatic - usually off-dry - wines.

In cooler climate areas where it has been planted, such as the Monterey AVA, it can share some traits with Riesling but with a distinctly fuller body.