Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine style and varietal guide
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 12–14.5% ABV
- Full body
- Dry sweetness
- medium-low acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
- ✓You enjoy firm tannins and structured red wines.
- ✓You want a full-bodied, rich wine to pair with hearty food.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
- ✗You prefer smooth, low-tannin or white wines.
- ✗You prefer lighter, more delicate wine styles.
At a Glance
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Taste profile
Sensory profile
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 12–14.5%
- Full body
- Dry sweetness
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Region(s)
- Bordeaux, California, Australia, Chile
- Country
- France/global
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Extended red-wine skin contact
Principal wine regions
A principal grape in Bordeaux, California, Tuscany — explore the regions known for it.
How it’s made
- Method
- Red wine grapes are crushed and fermented on skins to extract colour, tannin, and structure; many examples are aged in oak or blended with other Bordeaux varieties.
When to serve
Dietary
How Cabernet Sauvignon fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Also known as
What it is
What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine style often associated with dark fruit, firm tannin and structure. It usually feels bolder than lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir.
Taste
What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
Common Cabernet Sauvignon notes include black fruit, oak, spice, tannin and a dry finish. The firm structure makes it better suited to rich food than very delicate dishes.
Pairing logic
What Cabernet Sauvignon pairs with
Cabernet Sauvignon often works with steak, grilled meats, hard cheeses and rich sauces because tannin and body can stand up to fat, char and savory intensity.
About this drink
Cabernet Sauvignon is strongly associated with Bordeaux and became one of the world's most important red wine grapes because of its structure, tannin and aging potential. In style pages, its history matters because it explains why Cabernet is often paired with richer food.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Cabernet Sauvignon?
- A full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black currant, black cherry, and cedar.
- What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
- Cabernet Sauvignon is often described as Black Fruit, Oak, Tannic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, BBQ, Korean BBQ. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- When should I drink Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Cabernet Sauvignon works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
- If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does Cabernet Sauvignon improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for Cabernet Sauvignon depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.