Cabernet Sauvignon, the widely popular offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is one of six historic grapes known as the noble grapes—indicating its integral use in some of the worlds greatest wine including in many Bordeaux wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, thick-skinned grape well suited to oak ageing and is recognizable for its strong flavors often including violets, black currant, cedar, chocolate and earth. Warmer climates produce a distinct cassis nose, while in cooler climates, such as parts of Australia, there is often found a strong smell of eucalyptus.

Cabernet Sauvignon’s thick skin yields wines high in tannins and therefore is often blended with lower tannin grapes such as Merlot or Shiraz/Syrah to round out the mid-palate fleshiness. A Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from long cellar ageing to soften and develop the wine’s character. Excellent examples of this varietal can improve for decades, and remain drinkable for a century.

Popular Regions: Although a Cabernet Sauvignon prefers a warm climate and a long growing season, it is found planted in almost every wine region

Other Names: Bouchet, Petit Cabernet, Sauvignon Rouge, Vidure

Grilled meat, Lamb, Brie