Cabernet Sauvignon
A firmly tannic black grape with blackcurrant at its core, central to the Médoc in Bordeaux and strongly associated with Napa Valley.
At a glance
- Blackcurrant
- Firm tannin
- Deep color
Recognize it
Firm, drying tannin and full body define the structure. Blackcurrant is the classic fruit marker, with leafy or bell-pepper notes more common in cooler sites or vintages.
Detail
Cabernet Sauvignon ripens late and has small berries and thick skins, which is the usual explanation for its deep color and firm tannin. In the Médoc it is blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which ripen earlier, so the balance shifts with the site and the vintage. The green bell pepper note fades as the fruit ripens and persists more in cooler sites and at higher yields.
Similar grapes
Merlot
Similar medium to full body and dark plum fruit.
Difference Merlot is softer and rounder, with less drying tannin.
Cabernet Franc
Similar red and black fruit with a leafy edge.
Difference Cabernet Franc is lighter-bodied, gentler in tannin and more floral.
Explore
Wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon
- Red Bordeaux
- Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Médoc
- Margaux
- Pauillac
- Pessac-Léognan
- Graves
- Carmignano
- Saint-Estèphe
- Saint-Julien
- Bordeaux Supérieur
- Haut-Médoc
- Bordeaux Rosé
- Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon
- Navarra
- California Cabernet Sauvignon