Cabernet Sauvignon
Quick Facts
Food Pairings:
red meats, strong cheeses, dark chocolates
Origin:
Bordeaux, France
Aroma:
grass, mint, tobacco, black currants, blueberry, blackberry
Flavor:
green pepper, eucalyptus, mint, blackberry, plums, cherry, vanilla
Color:
Dark red, sometimes inky
Uses:
Varietal, commonly blended - Meritage, Bordeaux
Cabernet Sauvignon is revered both by winemakers and connoisseurs for everything from its agricultural character to its showmanship in the bottle. 'Cab Sav' is grown in all of the major wine producing areas around the world, and is the basis for many blended wines due to its flavor and longevity.
Flavor
Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied and can swell in richness while finishing with some astringency due to the tannins. The flavor is structured, and will vary based on the geography of the vineyard as well as the temperature of fermentation. Cabernet can have herbal flavors including green pepper, eucalyptus as well as mint. If fermented at lower temperatures the flavor will tend towards dark red fruits such as blackberry, plums, and cherry. When aged in oak, which is very common, some of the flavors include vanilla and spice.
Aroma
The aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon contains both herbal and fruity character. The herbal notes can include mint, grass, tobacco and spice. On the fruity side black currants are often used to describe Cabernet Sauvignon aroma. Strong berry aromas are also common including blueberry and blackberry.
Food Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon can be bold in aroma and even more complex in flavor. It is laden with texture all around. The aromas can range from heavy fruits to woodsy. And the flavors can come across as peppery with noticable tannins. The food paring should consist of food that provides similar complexity and richness. The savories of red meets, brothy soups made with red meats and vegetables from the grill balance terrifically with the tannins. Avoid any foods that make your mouth pucker. Also strong cheeses with deep taste pair nicely with Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of theses cheeses include Camembert, Limburger or Pont L'Eveque to name a few.
Origins
Although this varietal is only a few centuries old it has earned its ranks. Cabernet Sauvignon can be traced back to a cross between
Cabernet Franc and
Sauvignon Blanc in
France. This cross pollination was proven through DNA testing in the late 20th century.
Wine Regions
Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in nearly every major wine growing region around the world. It originated in the
Bordeaux region of France, and continues to thrive. It can also be found in other parts of France including the
Loire Valley. Cab is very common and important to the United States, especially in
California.
Italy,
Spain,
Australia and the wine producing countries of South America all make heavy use of Cabernet Sauvignon.