Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

Learn about Cabernet Sauvignon wine, tips for food pairing and Cabernet Sauvignon history. Find out more information on the best wine regions in the world that grow this popular red wine type.

Next to Merlot Wine, you can describe Cabernet Sauvignon as one of the most popular types of red wine. It is grown throughout the world, since it is easier to grow than many other red wines. You will also see diffrences in the wines made from this grape since so many regions grow and produce it. This section includes more information on this red wine variety including:

Cabernet Sauvignon History | Flavors, Density & More

Cabernet in the US | Cabernet in Europe | Other Regions

Serving Tips | Food Pairing Ideas

Cabernet Sauvignon History

Cabernet Sauvignon wine was first found in the 17th century. Its parents are Cabernet Franc wine and the white wine Sauvignon Blanc. The crossing of these two variates created the Cabernet Sauvignon we know today.

However, it wasn't until the 18th century when it really became popular. This is when Bordeaux started using it more often as part of their well known Bordeaux blends. Other regions saw their success and also started planting more Cabernet wines.

Describe Cabernet Sauvignon: Flavors, Density and More

Medium to full bodied wines is how you would describe Cabernet Sauvignon. They take a long time to age and young Cabernet wines are usually highly tannic. As they age, the tannins soften out and the flavors and aromas increase in complexity.

Cabernet Sauvignon wine typically has hints of fruits such as raspberries, cherries and blackberries. You will also taste black current, vanilla, black pepper and sometimes chocolate.

Many traditional producers age it in oak. You will smell and taste hints of the oak from the aging process.

Cabernet wines from new world regions such as California have more of a fruity flavor. I would describe Cabernet Sauvingon wine from old world regions as being a little more balanced in its flavors.

Cabernet Sauvignon in the US: Top Regions

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is easy to spot on vines due to its blue color. Most other red wine grapes are either red or purple.

cabernet sauvignon wine

California has the perfect climate to grow cabs. It's sometimes called this wine's second home due to the amount and quality grown.

Wineries in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley Wineries both grow exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon in California. California cabs are usually single varietal wines. This means the wine is created using close to 100% Cabernet grapes.

Visit the Recommendations for Cabernet Wines page to get information on some great wines from Northern California wineries. 2007 and 2008 are great vintages for Napa Valley cabs. You can also find some great Napa Valley Cabs $50 or Less.

Washington wineries are also becoming known for their Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Cabs from Columbia Valley and Red Mountain wineries in Washington State are hearty red wines and heading to the top of wine lovers lists.

2009 is a very good vintage for red wines in Washington with alcohol levels slightly higher than normal. 2010 reds from Washington are balanced with slightly less alcohol and higher acidity than normal.

Cabernet Sauvignon in Europe: Popular Regions for this Variety

In Bordeaux in France, the tradition is to use Cabernet Sauvignon wine in a blend. The Bordeaux fine wine blend is a very popular blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Most Bordeaux producers from the 'left bank regions' use Cabernet Sauvignon as the main wine in their blends. Left bank regions are those on the left side of the rivers in the region. A few of the most popular regions are Graves, Medoc, Margaux and Pauillac. Look for these on the label to ensure the blend you are buying from Bordeaux is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon.

Producers on the 'right bank' in Bordeaux, such as Saint Emilion and Pomerol, use small percentages of Cabernet wine in their blends. They lead with Merlot and have a very small amount of Cabernet wine in them. There are also several other regions in the country that produce fine French wine from this variety.

Spanish wine information shows that a few wine regions in the country produce this wine. Some of the highest quality wines in Spain are made from Cab grapes. These red wines are mainly popular outside of Spain, so they export most of it to other countries.

You will also find Cabernet wine grown in Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

Other Regions Throughout the World

Australia also has the perfect climate for Cabernet Sauvignon wine. It's the second most planted grape in Australia.

Other places it's popular are New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and parts of Asia. Due to their warm climate, this wine also does well in Mediterranean vineyards in Israel and Cyprus.

Serving Tips

Your best bet is to let a Cabernet Sauvignon wine age a little before drinking. In the past, many Cabernet wines needed to age for 10 or more years. However, the industry is changing and making Cabernet wines that you can enjoy at a younger age.

As I mentioned above, younger Cabs are usually higher in tannins. I recommend decanting wine that is younger and more tannic. You will find that this softens the tannins in the wine and brings out its full flavor.

The best serving temperature for Cabernet wines is around 65° or slightly cooler than room temperature.

You can serve Cabernet or a Bordeaux blend with Cabernet in a standard red wine glass. Only fill the wine glass about one-third full. This leaves enough space in the glass for the wine to mix with oxygen.