All you need to know about Cabernet Sauvignon: A quick guide

Cabernet is one of the most popular varietals in the world. It is truly the world’s most famous grape. It is a big, bold, dry red that most seem to enjoy!

Cabernet Sauvignon actually came from an accidental crossing of two other well-known varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. What a wonderful accident! It is largely recognized in the Bordeaux region of France as well as California’s Napa Valley.

Yes, Cabernet is a pretty big deal. Want to know more about it?

The following guide will illustrate what Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like (aroma, flavor, and structure). It will also tell you where it’s from, provide you with common food recommendations, top producers, similar varietals, and let you know why you should be drinking more of it!!!

How would I describe Cabernet Sauvignon?

Big

Not only in popularity, but in style! Cabernet Sauvignon is generally full-bodied and big in flavor. It’s often oaked, which can enhance this!

Bold

Cabernet Sauvignon is usually an “in your face” variety. It’s very structured with ripe dark fruit flavors. Also, it is typically higher alcohol compared to other red varieties.

Dry

Cabernet Sauvignon is far from sweet. It also has a good amount of tannin (see chart below). It can be “grippy”.

What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

These are the most familiar tastes and aromas I typically find in a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s also common to find raspberry, green pepper, violets, tobacco, coffee, and baking spices, depending upon where the wine is from, and how it is made. Remember, wine tastes are somewhat relative. There may be some different tasting notes you consistently find while drinking Cabernet Sauvignon.

What about structure?

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to structure for every grape, however, there IS a general range when it comes to body, acid, alcohol, and tannin for each. Below are general guidelines for classic representations. Growing conditions and winemaking techniques can impact each of the following.

Full Body

Think of that weight as a liquid scale, from water (light body) to heavy cream (full body) in your mouth. Cabernet Sauvignon is generally fuller than most red wines!

Medium Plus Acid

You can judge acidity based on weather your mouth waters after you take a sip of something. The more you salivate, the higher the acid. Cabernet Sauvignon has a good amount of acid, but its usually well balanced.

Medium Plus Alcohol

You can feel alcohol ‘burn’ the back of your throat when you take a sip. Cabernet Sauvignon is typically pretty high on the alcohol scale.

Medium Plus Tannin

Tannin contributes to the dryness of a wine. It comes from the skin of the grapes during the winemaking process. You can tell a wine has high tannin if it dries out your tongue. It imparts almost a bitter flavor. Cabernet Sauvignon will show a good amount of this.

Where is Cabernet Sauvignon from?

France

Primarily in Bordeaux (left bank)

Left Bank Bordeaux = Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blends. The bottle may be labeled with the regions Medoc, Haut Medoc, or Graves.

There are 6 Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Most Bordeaux’s are a combination of the first three grapes. The Gironde River splits Bordeaux in half and the area left of the river produces wine made with a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabs from this area usually have less alcohol than in California and higher acidity. They are usually medium to full bodied with more earthy flavors than fruit flavors. You will taste a lot more tart berry, green pepper, and tobacco flavors in these wines.

USA

Primarily in California and Washington

In 1976 a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap district in Napa Valley beat out some of the top Château in Bordeaux. This is what put California on the map for quality wine and kick started the US wine industry. Different in style than French Bordeaux’s, California Cabernets are usually full bodied, fruity, big in alcohol, and often oaked with flavors of coffee, vanilla, and baking spices.

Washington Cabernet is usually a little more rustic in taste. Some red fruit qualities along with green pepper and spices.

You can also find wonderful Cabernet from Chile, Australia, Italy, and South Africa, among other areas!

What foods should I pair with Cabernet Sauvignon?

Steak

Why?

Steak has such pronounced flavor, it is able to hold up to a bigger wine like a Cabernet. The flavors of both the food and wine complement each other. Also, because Cabernet is dry and tannic, a fattier cut of meat will help counter the dryness of the wine.

Cheddar

Why?

Cabernet is intense. Cheddar cheese is intense. So this pairing just works perfectly. (Cabernet can be hard to pair with cheeses that are aged or smoked…a mild white cheddar is usually a perfect match!)