Cabernet Sauvignon
Originally from Bordeaux, France
The world's most planted red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit, firm tannins, and extraordinary ageing potential. At its best in Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Coonawarra. It has a gift for oak and ages better than almost any other variety.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red grape known for its dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and bell pepper. It is one of the world's most widely planted and recognized red wine grape varieties.
Taste profile
Where Cabernet Sauvignon is grown
Food pairings
Deep dive
Cabernet Sauvignon (Cab Sauv) is a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, originating in 17th-century Bordeaux. It is now grown almost everywhere.
Aromas & flavours: Blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, cedar, tobacco, graphite, mint in cool climates; dark chocolate and jam in warmer areas.
Structure: High tannin, high acidity, full body, high alcohol (13.5-15%). Built for ageing: tannins soften over 5-20+ years.
Key regions: Left Bank Bordeaux (blended), Napa Valley (varietal), Coonawarra Australia (cool, minty), Maipo Valley Chile (value-focused), Tuscany (Super Tuscan blends).
Food: Classic with lamb, steak, aged hard cheese and dishes with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Notable Cabernet Sauvignon wines
Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
Red WineBezel by Cakebread · Paso Robles
Drink 2024–2030
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Red WineNapa Cellars · Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma
Red WineSilver Oak · Sonoma County
Drink 2024–2035
Cabernet Sauvignon
Red WineDaou · Paso Robles
Drink 2024–2030
Les Calades Single Vineyard
Red WineArrogant Frog · Languedoc
TUNUPA Dios de los Andes
Red BlendTunupa · Valle de Colchagua
Grand-Pey-Lescours
Bordeaux Red BlendChâteau Grand-Pey-Lescours · St-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
90 Wine Enthusiast
Drink 2015–2030
Similar grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon FAQ
What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape that originated in Bordeaux, France. The world's most planted red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit, firm tannins, and extraordinary ageing potential. At its best in Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Coonawarra. It has a gift for oak and ages better than almost any other variety.
What are the characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon?
On the palate it reads as full-bodied, medium acidity, high tannin. Structurally: body 5/5, acidity 3/5, tannin 5/5, sweetness 1/5.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon sweet?
Cabernet Sauvignon is almost always vinified bone dry, so expect no perceptible sugar in the glass.
What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
Think of it as a full-bodied red. The world's most planted red grape, Cabernet Sauvignon produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit, firm tannins, and extraordinary ageing potential. At its best in Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Coonawarra. It has a gift for oak and ages better than almost any other variety.
What food pairs with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Reach for Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Beef ribeye, Lamb chops, Aged cheddar, Dark chocolate.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Pauillac, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Coonawarra, Maipo Valley, Stellenbosch.
What grapes are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, try Merlot, Malbec, Syrah. Softer tannins, more plum and chocolate. Often blended with Cabernet in Bordeaux.
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