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Wine Styles & Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
RedRed • Dry12–14.5% ABVFull bodyDry sweetnessmedium-low acidityHigh tannins

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.

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.

Best For

DinnerSavoury foodRed meatAged cheeseRed

Food Pairings

CheeseCheese BoardBBQKorean BBQLambSteak

Taste & Style

Dry sweetnessmedium-low acidityHigh tanninsFull bodyBlack FruitOakTannic

Flavour profile

Black Fruit(high)Oak(medium)Tannic(high)

Food pairings

Best for

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.

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