Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps one of the most recognized wine varietals. It’s actually a hybrid, and its origins are in the 1600s, when the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were crossed with one another. While this happened 400 years ago, according to Vinepair, this bonding wasn’t proven until 1996 at the University of California at Davis by Dr. Carole Meredith. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for being quite tannic and rich. This wine is perhaps the most popular among those in the United States who drink wine.
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Cabernet Sauvignon’s Flavors
During the fermentation process, it was discovered that not only do the thick skins of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes produce a tannic and sweet wine, but by allowing the wine to spend time aging in oak the flavor of the wine was enhanced. The flavor profile of good Cabernet Sauvignon will include fruits like black current, blackberries, and cherries. The oak barrel aging will add some flavors of vanilla, smoke or tobacco, pepper, and spice. Other flavors might include chocolate, coffee, earth and herb. Sometimes, the production method for creating a Cab will release more of a substance called Methoxpyrazine. This can add flavors of green pepper and green peppercorns – but if too much of this substance is present, it will cause the wine to taste “green.” This green-ness is not a desirable trait for the wine to have.
Food Pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon
The classic food pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon is a good steak. But that’s not the only pairing that works well with Cabs. Braised ribs, roast duck, Asian flavors, briskets all stand up very well to the hearty cab. Lamb and stronger fish, like ahi tuna, also hold up really well against the flavors of this classic wine. Don’t overlook the classic burger as another, lower-key pairing with this wine.
Cabernet Sauvignons to Try
If you want to get started with trying out Cabernet Sauvignons, here are a few different options to start with.
Di Majo Norante Cabernet Sauvignon IGT Terre degli Osci 2010
from: NapaCabs ($14)
This wine has a medium body. This is a good price for a drinking wine. You’ll get the characteristic blueberry and chocolate flavors on the nose and a dramatic finish. It’s a good wine for pizza night, your next backyard BBQ, or for enjoying with a sausage and meat plate.
Weed Cellars Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 – 750 ML
from: Wine On Sale ($16)
This wine is full-bodied and has the tobacco, cherry, and vanilla notes that I personally love in a wine. This is the wine you can drink with both cheeseburgers and fillet mignon. Get a couple bottles to experiment with how it’s characteristics change depending on what you pair it with.
2018 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon
from: Revel Wine ($24)
The 2018 True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon is an award-winner that’s still available at a reasonable price. This wine has black currant, mocha, and dark fruit flavors. This rich wine will stand up well to your favorite barbeque sauces and Asian flavors on red meats.
Feeling Adventurous? Try a Mystery Pack
Mystery Wine Case #23 – 6 Cabernet Sauvignon/6 Merlot
from: NapaCabs ($90)
If you would like to try a variety of Cabs and Merlots, why not try a mystery pack. At $90, the Mystery Wine Case from NapaCabs gives you twelve bottles of wine – six Cabernet Sauvignon and six Merlot – at about $7.50 a bottle. That’s a pretty low risk to do your own home tasting and really explore the range of these wines.
Don’t be afraid to jump in and try a variety of wines. Some suggest that you buy a bottle to enjoy now, a bottle to enjoy in 6 months to a year, and a bottle to enjoy in a few years after you’ve cellared the wine and it’s had time to mature. If you keep a wine journal, you can track the ways in which the flavors of the wine (and the color of the wine) changes over time.
