Cabernet Sauvignon: The World’s Most Famous Red Wine Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, the offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is the most widely planted grape variety in the world and arguably the most famous red wine grape of all. 

Its hallmark characteristic is an unmistakable aroma of blackcurrant, present wherever it is grown. When aged in oak, Cabernet Sauvignon can also develop notes of cedar, cigar box, and tobacco. In its youth, the wine is typically deep purple, structured, and long-lived, thanks to its small, thick-skinned grapes that provide abundant tannin and colour. However, when picked underripe, it can take on herbaceous, green flavours reminiscent of Cabernet Franc. This means it excels in wines meant for aging, rather than those intended for early drinking—particularly in cooler climates.

Cabernet in Bordeaux

Despite its global fame, Cabernet Sauvignon is not Bordeaux’s most planted grape—that honour belongs to Merlot. Still, Cabernet is at the heart of Bordeaux’s most prestigious wines. It thrives in the gravel soils of the Médoc and Graves, where it is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Petit Verdot to create the region’s world-renowned wines. 

Across the Médoc, Cabernet is central to the styles of each appellation: taut and austere in St-Estèphe, dense and mineral-driven in Pauillac, lush and silky in Margaux, and elegant yet long-lived in St-Julien. In Graves and Pessac-Léognan, it adds freshness and subtle earthy notes.

In Italy since the 1920s

In Europe, Italy has embraced Cabernet, particularly in Tuscany, where it played an important role in the development of some famous “Super Tuscan” blends. But now Cabernet is also grown in Piedmont, Sicily, and other regions.

Cabernet Around the World

Cabernet Sauvignon can be found in many countries around the world. South Africa has a strong tradition of Cabernet and Lebanon too produces some good wines from this grape. North America, especially Napa Valley, has become a global benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon, producing wines that are glossy, fruit-forward, and approachable in youth, though many also age very well. In South America, Chile has built much of its wine reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon. Chilean Cabernets are fruity, approachable early, and often show hints of chocolate or a savoury, salty finish while, in Argentina, Cabernet tends to be richer, more velvety, and more powerful.

On the other side of the world, Australia produces high quality Cabernet wines in a variety of regions, with Eden Valley and Margaret River offering standout, complex examples. Across the country, Cabernet is often blended with Shiraz, creating a classic Australian style. New Zealand also offers some great Cabernets from Hawke’s Bay. In modern times, Cabernet Sauvignon has now also moved into Asia with China embracing it as the backbone of its modern wine industry.

Cabernet Food Pairing

With its bold flavour and firm tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs best with rich, protein-heavy foods like grilled or roasted red meats, hearty dishes such as stews and burgers, and strong, aged cheeses. The fat and protein in these foods soften the wine's tannins, while the tannins cut through the food's richness, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing. Other great pairings include dishes with mushrooms and rich, tomato-based pasta sauces.

Cabernet Sauvignon at Farsonsdirect

At Farsonsdirect, we have a strong variety of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from all over the world, both 100% of Cabernet or blended with a variety of other grapes. Apart from the top Bordeaux Left Bank wines, we offer Super Tuscans, award-winning Australian and North American Cabernet as well as recent Chinese versions.

Our wines are well-stored and we have a wide range of vintages of the top Cabernets which develop strongly as they age. Come to our outlet to browse our range of wines or go through our website and order with free delivery: 

https://farsonsdirect.com/collections/wines