
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
-
Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- D
- TP
- W&S
- WW
-
Double Canyon Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington
- TP
- D
- W&S
- JS
-
Groth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WE
- WS
- WW
-
Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- V
- JD
- WE
- RP
- W&S
-
Col Solare Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington
- JD
- JS
- RP
- W&S
- WS
-
Merryvale Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- W&S
- WW
- JD
- WE
- RP
- JS
-
True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
- W&S
-
Antica Cabernet Sauvignon (Mountain Select) 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California
- JS
- WE
- W&S
-
Stags' Leap Winery The Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
- JS
- RP
- W&S
- WS
-
Louis Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 2016Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
- RP
- JS
- WE
- W&S