
Cabernet Sauvignon
Learn about Cabernet Sauvignon — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe. Inherently high in tannins and acidity, the best bottlings of Cabernet can age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in temperate climates like Bordeaux where it forms the base of the Medoc reds. These blends are typically mostly Cabernet with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. (Enjoying a great deal of success in various regions around the world, this blend is now globally referred to as a Bordeaux Blend.) Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines.
Tasting Notes for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry red wine rich in color, tannin and extract. It expresses notes of blackberry, cassis, plum, currant, spice and tobacco. In the Old World you'll often find the more earthy side of Cabernet. In warmer regions like California, Washington, Argentina, Chile and Australia, you can typically expect more upfront fruit flavors.
Perfect Food Pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is right at home with rich, intense meat dishes—beef, lamb and venison, in particular—where its opulent fruit and decisive tannins make an equal match to the dense protein of the meat. With a mature Cabernet, opt for tender, slow-cooked meat dishes.
Sommelier Secrets for Cabernet Sauvignon
Despite the modern importance and ubiquity of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is actually a relatively young variety. In 1997, DNA profiling revealed the grape to be a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc which took place in 17th century southwestern France.
Related lists
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Hall Ellie's Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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St. Supery Dollarhide Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Chateau La Freynelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2018Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux, France
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Ramey Pedregal Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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Keenan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa (375ML half-bottle) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
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Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Volker Eisele Cabernet Sauvignon 2014Cabernet Sauvignon from Chiles Valley, Napa Valley, California
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Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Signorello Padrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Newton Single Vineyard Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015Cabernet Sauvignon from Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, California
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