Cabernet Sauvignon

🔊 Pronunciation: kab-er-nay saw-vin-yawn

🔍 Quick Summary

Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most famous red wine grape, known for bold structure, dark fruit flavors, and age-worthiness in both blends and single-varietal wines.

📜 History

  • Origin: Born in the 17th century near Bordeaux, France — a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

  • Discovered in Médoc vineyards for its thick skin, color, and disease resistance.

  • Rose to dominance in Left Bank Bordeaux for its structure and blending potential.

  • Global fame skyrocketed after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when Napa Cabs shocked the world.

  • Global expansion – Now the most planted wine grape in the world, grown in over 60 countries.

🧠 What to Know

Cabernet’s appeal lies in its power, consistency, and ability to reflect place.

  1. Thick skins = high tannins – Builds bold, structured wines with aging potential.

  2. Classic flavors – Cassis, blackberry, cedar, mint, and sometimes green pepper (from pyrazines).

  3. Oak loves Cab – French or American oak adds spice, vanilla, and polish.

  4. Blending champ – Often combined with Merlot or Cabernet Franc for balance and nuance.

  5. Wide style range – Cooler climates = herbal restraint; warmer = plush and ripe.

📍 Where It’s Found

🇫🇷 Bordeaux (Left Bank) – Gravel soils + maritime climate = structured, age-worthy blends with graphite and cassis
Moderate Maritime (55–75°F / 13–24°C)

🇺🇸 Napa Valley (Rutherford, Oakville) – Alluvial soils + warm sunshine = rich, ripe Cabs with velvety tannins
Warm Mediterranean (65–85°F / 18–29°C)

🇺🇸 Red Mountain (WA) – Sandy loam + intense sun = dense, powerful Cab with savory edge
Warm Continental (65–90°F / 18–32°C)

🇦🇺 Coonawarra (South Australia) – Terra rossa over limestone + maritime cooling = elegant Cab with blackcurrant, mint, and fine tannins
Cool-Mild Maritime (57–77°F / 14–25°C)

🇨🇱 Maipo Valley – Rocky foothills + cool Andes nights = focused Cab with herbal lift
Warm Mediterranean with cool nights (63–86°F / 17–30°C)

👅 Flavor & Style

Cabernet Sauvignon is intense and structured, offering flavors that evolve beautifully over time.

  • Color: Deep ruby to purple; nearly opaque

  • Aromas & Flavors:

    • Primary: Blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, black cherry

    • Secondary: Cedar, tobacco, mint, green bell pepper, vanilla, smoke

    • Tertiary: Leather, cigar box, dried herbs, earthy truffle

  • Structure:

    • Body: Full

    • Tannin: High

    • Acidity: Medium to high

    • Alcohol: Medium-high to high (13.5–15.5%)

🛠 Winemaking Notes

Cabernet’s structure gives winemakers room to play with techniques that influence longevity and expression.

  1. Extended maceration – Increases tannin and complexity, especially in premium bottlings.

  2. New oak aging – Adds richness, spice, and a creamy texture to balance the firm tannins.

  3. Micro-oxygenation – Modern technique to soften young Cabernets.

  4. Cool climate restraint – Cooler sites often skip heavy oak to preserve freshness and herbal tones.

🍽 Food Pairing Ideas

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with protein-rich, flavorful dishes that match its tannic structure.

  • Savory: Ribeye steak, lamb shank, grilled mushrooms

  • Cheese: Aged Gouda, cheddar, blue cheese

  • Unexpected: Dark chocolate with sea salt, mole poblano, lentil stew with rosemary

🔗 Related Topics to Explore

  • 🍇 Merlot – Cab’s blending buddy for softness and plum notes

  • 🌍 Red Mountain – A Washington Cab hotspot

  • 🌱 Gravel & Basalt Soils – Great drainage + mineral expression

  • ⚗️ Oak Aging – Essential to Cab’s signature style