Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognised red grape varieties, it originated in the Gironde in South West France and is the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is grown in almost every major wine producing country and its wines are deep in colour, typically full-bodied and characterised by their high tannin and acidity content which provides structure, while supporting the rich, dark fruit flavours. With dominant dark-fruit aromas of blackcurrants, styles from various regions may also have flavours of eucalyptus, mint and tobacco. Its high tannin and acidity makes for excellent ageing potential and the best examples can age for decades.
Blending Partners
It is commonly found as a single varietal but it is also frequently blended with other grape varieties, most notably with Merlot, to add structure, acidity, aromatic fruit and longevity, particularly in the Bordeaux region. The ‘Bordeaux blend’ has been replicated in a number of quality wine producing areas of the world. In Italy, these grapes are also blended with Sangiovese to create the iconic “Super Tuscan” wines. In the New World wine regions, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Shiraz play a key role in the blend. Remember even varietally labelled wines can contain a small proportion of other varieties even though it is not mentioned on the label. Oak is frequently used to age premium wines, softening the tannins and adding oak characteristics such as cedar, spice, vanilla and coffee.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon Grown?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a hearty, thick skinned grape variety which needs a moderate or warm climate to ripen. It struggles to ripen in cool climates or in cool vintages and can develop green pepper notes. The variety thrives on gravel soil which is why it is perfectly adapted to the left bank of Bordeaux where it is the dominant grape for all the most famous wines produced in Medoc and Graves, including all five ‘first growths’. It also performs well and produces top quality wine in California (Napa Valley), Australia (Margaret River, Coonawarra), New Zealand (Gimblett Gravels), South Africa (Stellenbosch) and Chile (Maipo Valley).
Foods to Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon
The rich flavour and high tannin levels make this variety an excellent match for red meats and cheese as the protein breaks down the tannin in the wine making the wine softer and fruitier. Mature Bordeaux blends pair well with venison and game.
Our Top Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations
Robert Oatley Cabernet Sauvignon, Signature Series 2018, Western Australia
From one of Australia's best known and most reliable regions, this Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon utilises first-class fruit taken from a range of high-quality vineyard sites. Margaret River is well known for its ability to produce excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and this wine from industry powerhouse Robert Oatley Vineyards is a great example. Finely structured and full of intense blackberry, cassis and eucalyptus. Long finish and fine-grained tannin help wrap it all up.
Robert Oatley, Finisterre Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Margaret River, Australia
Finisterre (meaning "end of the earth") is a range of Robert Oatley wines spearheaded by the passionate head winemaker: Larry Cherubino. An emphasis on single-variety, single-region wines with an emphasis on choosing the very best, specifically selected sites from some of the most secluded areas of Australia, in this instance, Wilyabrup in Margaret River (Western Australia). Only 400 cases made. Rich, seductive aromas of blackcurrant and cassis fuse with cooling menthol undertones. Impressive power and structure on the palate yet restrained and sophisticated with ripe, velvety tannins that envelop further dark and bramble fruit with added liquorice and black pepper spice. A superb Cabernet.
Banfi, Col di Sasso 2020, Tuscany, Italy
Col di Sasso' translates as the 'stony hill' in reference to the rocky slopes of the vineyard in the southern part of Tuscany. We lovingly refer to it as a 'baby Super-Tuscan' blend, due to its Cabernet Sauvignon predominance that imparts bold flavour and body, and touch of Sangiovese that provides structure and fruit. Intense aromas of Morello cherry, black plum and blueberry with underlying delicate spice. Ripe and round with silky, smooth tannins that wrap around a core of further black fruits and subtle smoky tones.
Chateau Cissac, Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2017, Bordeaux, France
The Vialard family have owned the Chateau for five generations after Louis Vialard inherited it in 1940. Winemaker Laurent Saint Pasteur works alongside the family on the 65 hectare estate, which is planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. A firm favourite with many of our private customers and is without a doubt, one of the most consistent Cru Bourgeois' on the market that Hugh Johnson once called 'the pillar of the Bourgeoisie'... A well- defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, brown spices and a touch of leather. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and good grip. A saline finish urges you back for another sip.
Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon, Barons De Rothschild 2019, Central Valley, Chile
Produced in the Colchagua region of Chile, Los Vascos is run and managed by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), who have been operating the estate since 1988. The decades of experience producing Cabernet Sauvignon is on show in this organic wine, full of bright fruit, silky texture and well-structured tannin.
