Interesting Things to Know About Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a silky, full-bodied wine that’s easily recognised by its rich, burgundy hue and compelling flavours of chocolate, black pepper, and red berries. It’s bold. It’s rich. It’s luxurious. And it’s often deemed the world’s most popular red wine, tand great as a food pairing. Some popular characteristics of the Cab include strong tannins, a 13-14% alcohol content and a cross between a red and white grape. You can find bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon almost anywhere because of its large production volume – it’s also friendly on the pocket. Let’s delve a little deeper, here, into the origins of this classic red.
History and Origins of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon was initially used as a blending grape in the Bordeaux region, where it was combined with other grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to produce some of the world's most famous red wines. In the mid-19th century, the grape began to be cultivated on its own as a varietal wine, and its popularity spread like wildfire throughout France and other wine-producing regions of the world. Fast forward to today, and Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in many countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, France, and South Africa, among others. It is known for producing wines that are full-bodied and rich in tannins, with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cedar. Cabernet Sauvignon is often aged in oak barrels to add additional complexity and depth to the wine.
Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon
From France to all regions of the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is on the lips of everyone who loves a glass of good red wine. This red wine is a popular red grape variety, and known for producing full-bodied and complex wines with firm tannins and high acidity levels. Some key characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon include:Flavour profile & tasting notes
Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically have flavours of dark fruit, such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, along with notes of tobacco, vanilla, and oak.
Food pairing
This red wine pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods, from roasted meats and stews to cheeses and more; there’s nothing this bold red wine doesn’t taste great with. The firm tannins help cut through fatty or rich foods, making it popular with steak and other darker meats.Acidity
This type of wine tends to have a higher acidity in comparison to other wines. This helps balance the tannins and gives the wine a refreshingly crisp quality.
Regions
Cabernet Sauvignon can vary in flavour and style, depending on where the grapes are grown. Here are a few examples of how this wine can vary based on region climate.
Bordeaux in France
Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary grape variety in France and has flavours of blackcurrant and tobacco.
Napa Valley in California
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in the Napa Valley and known for their flavours of black cherry, vanilla, and oak.
Stellenbosch in South Africa
Grown in Stellenbosch, this grape variety is known for their rich, full-bodied character and bold flavours of blackcurrant, tobacco, and cedar.
Food Pairings with Cabernet Sauvignon
Besides a juicy steak, Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs excellently with other delicious foods. From pastas and aged cheeses to stews and other roasted meats; you can’t go wrong with a glass of dark red wine in one hand and food in the other. Check out these ideal food and cheese pairings and recommendations for dishes and other special occasions.
Grilled or roast meats
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs unbelievably well with beef, lamb, and game meats that have been grilled or roasted. The richness of the meat is cut through by the tannins present in the wine and the fruit flavours enhance the taste of the meat.
Pastas with tomato-based sauces
If you’re whipping up spaghetti bolognaise or lasagne, you can complement this meal with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. The acidity in the wine actually goes well with the tomatoes and the tannins cuts through the rich meat.
Stews and casseroles
Rich and hearty stews and casseroles deserve to be paired with a great wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
Famous Cabernet Sauvignon Wines
There’s no doubt that Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most famous wines. Since its origin in Bordeaux France, this popular grape variety has spread to every major winemaking region possible. Here are the top 2 best wines from all around the globe that we feel everyone should experience once in their lifetime – if the opportunity presents itself:
Château Pape Clément
Coming in at number one, this 2016 vintage wine is known for its exceptional quality and taste. It has a deep, intense ruby colour with aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco and vanilla. This wine is full-bodied and provides a long and elegant finish on the palate. Château Pape Clément remains one of the most prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux and is recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation.
Château Latour
This wine is a First Growth Bordeaux wine produced in the Pauillac appellation of the Médoc region in France. It is one of the most iconic and sought-after wines in the world. It has a deep, dark colour with aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, spice, and tobacco. You can immerse your palate in flavours of dark chocolate and liquorice and pair it with flavourful dishes such as beef or lamb.
Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Dessert
Cabernet Sauvignon tastes great on its own, but when paired with dessert; it’s out of this world! Below are some ways and recommendations for pairing this beautiful wine with dessert.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate pairs very well with Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark chocolate cake, decadent chocolate truffles and dark chocolate tarts are just a few tasty desserts that could work well with this wine.
Berries
Berries are sweet and a treat to eat, making it a perfect match for Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruitiness of the wine complements the sweetness of the berry dessert.
Nuts
Nuts are another good dessert pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly those that are roasted or caramelised. Try serving a plate of mixed nuts or a dessert featuring almonds, such as almond cake or almond brittle. While Cabernet Sauvignon is not the first wine that comes to mind when thinking about dessert, it can actually be a delicious match when paired correctly. Here are a few Cabernet Sauvignon wines to try with desserts:
Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley has flavour notes of blackberry, vanilla, and chocolate, making it a good match for chocolate desserts such as flourless chocolate cake or chocolate truffles.
Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a rich, full-bodied character with flavour notes of dark fruit, espresso, and spice. It pairs well with rich, decadent desserts such as chocolate mousse or chocolate cheesecake. If you love a good glass of wine, you can appreciate the art and craft of Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s bold, full-bodied and comes in many different flavour profiles and tasting notes, depending on the region. Ready to explore the world of red wine? immerse yourself in the experience of different Cabernet Sauvignon wines and explore this popular grape variety today.