What Is Cabernet Sauvignon?

One of the most popular red wines on the face of the earth is Cabernet Sauvignon. Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, Cabernet Sauvignon has found a place in almost every wine-growing country on the planet. DNA profiling in the late 90s actually confirmed that Cabernet Sauvignon is the byproduct of natural cross breeding between the grape varieties known as Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This crossing is believed to have happened in the past few centuries which makes the rise to dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon truly impressive.

What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

With so many Cabernet Sauvignon options on the market, you’re going to find some variety in flavor. Some are fruity and sumptuous, while others are smoky and savory. This range in flavor is tied to the terroir in which the grapes were harvested. Referring to the flavors imparted to the Cabernet via the region and soil in which it was grown, this is the reason for variations in flavor one may notice from one Cabernet Sauvignon to the next. The most common aromas and flavors found in Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be those associated with dark fruits, such as plums, blackberries, and black cherries, as well as savory hints of vanilla, black pepper, and black licorice.

How should I serve and store Cabernet Sauvignon?

If you plan to store your wine for long periods of time, you will want to ensure it is stored at the proper temperature. If allowed to get too warm or if in direct sunlight, wines can become cooked and lose their flavor. While you can store Cabernet Sauvignon at temperatures anywhere between 40°F and 65°F, the ideal temperature is actually 55°F. That being said, wine stored anywhere between 40°F and 65°F can fare well—so long as it does not undergo any rapid temperature shifts during storage.

As far as what temperature you should serve Cabernet Sauvignon at is concerned, the general rule of thumb is that it should be served at room temperature. But do consider that room temperature is purely relative. While warmer than the temperature at which you store it is preferred, the ideal temperature for a full-bodied red such as this is 60°F. This means that if you've been storing it properly in a cool place, you may need to let the bottle of wine warm up just a bit before serving. And, inversely, if you had been previously storing it at room temperature, you might want to put it in the fridge for about half an hour prior to serving.

Now that you know what Cabernet Sauvignon is, if you’re looking for additional input into what pairs exceptionally well with this or other wines, check out our blog today. And don’t forget to check out our currently available wines before they’re gone forever!