red grape

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

Body5/5

Tannin5/5

Acidity3/5

Sweetness1/5

Famous regions

Pauillac, BordeauxNapa ValleyCoonawarraMaipo ValleyStellenbosch

Food pairings

Beef ribeyeLamb chopsAged cheddarDark chocolate

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 Wine

Bezel by Cakebread · Paso Robles

Drink 2024–2030

Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

Red Wine

Napa Cellars · Napa Valley

Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma

Red Wine

Silver Oak · Sonoma County

Drink 2024–2035

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red Wine

Daou · Paso Robles

Drink 2024–2030

Les Calades Single Vineyard

Red Wine

Arrogant Frog · Languedoc

Similar grapes

Merlot

Softer tannins, more plum and chocolate. Often blended with Cabernet in Bordeaux.

Malbec

Similar dark fruit profile but with more violet character and velvety texture.

Syrah

Equally full-bodied but with a peppery, savoury quality Cabernet lacks.

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