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Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • 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

12–14.5%ABV
DrySweetness
medium-lowAcidity
HighTannin
FullBody
16°CServe

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?

A full-bodied red wine with firm tannins and high acidity. It has flavors of black currant, black cherry, and cedar.

Taste profile

Dry sweetnessmedium-low acidityHigh tanninsFull bodyBlack FruitOakTannic
Black Fruit(high)Oak(medium)Tannic(high)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Red
  • ABV range: 12–14.5%
  • Full body
  • Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

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

DinnerSavoury foodRed meatAged cheeseRed

Dietary

How Cabernet Sauvignon fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

Also known as

Cab Sav (common_short_name)Cabernet (common_short_name)Cabernet Sauv (common_short_name)

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.
How strong is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
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.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Cabernet Sauvignon with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.