Wine 101: Cabernet Sauvignon
Often called the king of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon has traveled far beyond its origins in France’s Bordeaux—it’s now widely planted in almost every wine-producing country.
Planted in cold climates, Cabernet makes firm, tannic wines that recall red currants with a touch of tobacco or green bell pepper, and in warmer climates it makes softer wines with flavors like ripe black currants or black cherries. It almost always has substantial tannins, which help great Cabernets age for many years.
The classic pairing with Cabernet is lamb, but it goes well with almost any meat—beef, pork, venison, even rabbit.
Firm, Complex Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Bottles
- D’Arenberg The High Trellis (Australia)
- Château d’Issan Margaux (France)
- Robert Craig Mt. Veeder (California)
Recipe Pairings
- Braised Lamb with Peppers and Oregano
- Braised Pork Shanks
- Scottish Beef Stew »
- Strip Steak with Arugula Pesto
Rich, Ripe Cabernet Sauvignon
Top Bottles
- Beringer Napa Valley (California)
- Penfolds Bin 407 (Australia)
- Bodega Catena Zapata Catena (Argentina)
Recipe Pairings
- Braised Lamb Shanks with Roasted Broccoli and Squash »
- Garlic-Rubbed Leg of Lamb with Leeks
- Seared Tri-Tip Steak with Asian Black-Bean Rice Cakes
- Strip Steak and Vegetables with Garlicky Olivada
More Expert Wine Advice
The latest red wine news and recommendations from senior wine editor Ray Isle’s Tasting Room.
Features and Columns
- Bargain Bordeaux and Luxurious Dinners
- Easy to Find Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux
- Luxe Wine, Luxe Food
- Great Cabernet Values
- Is Bordeaux’s 2005 Vintage Worth the Hype?
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