
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
- Cabernet Sauvignon163
- Pinot Noir150
- Other Red Blends71
- Bordeaux Red Blends53
- Syrah/Shiraz38
- Rhône Blends31
- Merlot28
- Sangiovese18
- Malbec18
- Tempranillo16
- Zinfandel15
- Nebbiolo13
- Tuscan Blends9
- Grenache8
- Cabernet Franc7
- Nero d'Avola5
- Barbera4
- Bonarda2
- Carignan2
- Other Red Wine2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Aglianico1
- Carmenere1
- Corvina1
- Gamay1
- Lagrein1
- Montepulciano1
- Mourvedre1
- Petite Sirah1
- Pinotage1
- Primitivo1
- Mencia1
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Duckhorn Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Bella Union by Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Parducci True Grit Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendocino, California
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Pine Ridge Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Quintessa 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
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Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Honig Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Textbook Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (375ML half-bottle) 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Louis Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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O'Shaughnessy Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
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Charles Woodson's Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
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Trig Point Diamond Dust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
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Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
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Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Columbia Valley, Washington
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TOR Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon 2017Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
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