Centurion is a wine variety developed at the U.C. Davis campus by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon, with Grenache and Carignane. The intention was to produce a Cabernet-like wine which could be grown in the relatively hot Central Valley. Carignane and Grenache are well suited to the Central Valley's climate, while Cabernet Sauvignon normally requires a cooler location. It was thought that the new variety resulting from the cross might retain the quality of Cabernet wine and the viticultural characteristics of the other two varieties. Centurion hasn't yet seen widespread acceptance, but the variety is a definite improvement over traditional Central Valley varieties. (Wine/Grapes)