Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world's most popular wine grape. Known for its thick skin, high tannins, and ability to age for decades, it produces some of the most prestigious and expensive wines on the planet.
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?
Cabernet Sauvignon is defined by its structure. Because the grapes have thick skins and small berries, the resulting wine is high in both tannins and acidity.
Primary Flavors
- Black Cherry
- Black Currant (Cassis)
- Cedar / Pencil Lead
- Green Bell Pepper (Pyrazines)
Structural Profile
Where It Grows
Cabernet Sauvignon grows almost everywhere, but it excels in moderate-to-warm climates where it can fully ripen.
Bordeaux, France
The birthplace of Cabernet. Here, it is almost always blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux Cabernets are generally more savory, with notes of graphite, gravel, and tobacco alongside the fruit.
Napa Valley, USA
Napa Cabs are famous for their richness and power. The warmer climate produces wines with riper, jammy fruit flavors (blackberry, plum) and often higher alcohol levels.
Other Key Regions
- Coonawarra, Australia: Famous for distinctive eucalyptus/mint notes.
- Maipo Valley, Chile: Exceptional value with savory, herbal complexity.
- Bolgheri, Italy: The home of "Super Tuscans" which blend Cabernet with Sangiovese.
Food Pairings
The rule for Cabernet is simple: Pair with fat. The high tannins in the wine act as a scraper to clear fatty proteins from your palate.
- 🥩Perfect MatchGrilled Ribeye Steak
- 🧀CheeseAged Cheddar or Gouda
- 🍄VegetarianPortobello with Butter
Can You Identify Cabernet Blind?
Test your palate with Vine Savant's blind tasting games. See if you can pick out the black currant and cedar notes.