Exploring the Cabernet Sauvignon World: Your Pro-Guide to Ordering Cabernet Made In-store with Wine Sense
Cabernet Sauvignon is most famous for the wines of France’s Bordeaux region and now has a foot-hold in almost every winemaking region on the planet.
The Regions
From France to California and everywhere in between- almost every growing region grows Cabernet Sauvignon and as a result is the most widely planted wine grape in the world.
From “old world” to “new world” and famous around the world- Cabernet is grown in France, Italy, California, Chile and Australia with great acclaim- and Wine Sense is happy to offer Cabernets or Cabernet blends from all of these regions for making wine in our stores. Traditionally old world wines focus on the structure of the wine and the terroir of the growing region- new world wines are often more fruit-forward with more body and higher alcohol. So a French (old world) Cabernet will be a little brighter colour with a bit more acidity and minerality compared to a California Cab which will have deep colour, big fruit and higher alcohol.
The Grape
Another factor for Cabernet’s popularity for grape growers is it’s durability. It is a hearty grape with a thicker skin making it a safe bet for vineyards- but it is ultimately the finished wine that drives Cabernet’s popularity. Cabernet Sauvignon is capable of producing some of the most complex and well-balanced wines you’ll ever drink. A well made Cabernet will drink well young while rewarding the patient wine maker who ages their wine. Whether you lay down your wines or drink them young- you can produce wonderful Cabernet Sauvignons when making your wine in-store with Wine Sense!
Cabernet also has a very unique lineage- in 1997 it was discovered that it was a result of a crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Who knew that the Big Bold Cabernet grape would have a white grape as a “parent”!
The Flavour Profile
Wine Sense offers a collection of Cabernets which of course will have their own unique flavour and aroma characteristics. However Cabernet is known for its dark fruit flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Cabernets typically have medium acidity, bigger body, high tannins, and moderate to high alcohol. Cabernet Sauvignon also benefits significantly from the addition of oak which adds flavours of vanilla and spice.
The Food Pairings
As the components of Cabernet Sauvigon all lean from the mid to high side (ie acidity, alcohol, tannins) you must keep that in mind with food pairings.
High fat and high protein are perfect compliments for Cabernet Sauvignon’s big characteristics. That’s why every steakhouse will have a long list of Cabernet’s in their wine list. So red meats with some fat content are always a safe choice with Cabernet (lean cuts will be too dry with the tannins of the wine). Any rich stew or meat dish will work as well. Try tomato based dishes and of course cheese is protein and fat. An extra cheesy pizza is a very simple matches for a Cabernet’s high tannin levels!
The Wines
Every wine drinker has tried Cabernet and although it may be a bit heavy for some as a casual sipping wine- it is always appreciated when paired with the right food. That’s why Cabernet is a must have in any wine rack!
Below is the a complete listing of all the Cabernet Sauvignons available to be made in store at Wine Sense:
Winexpert Private Revelation Cabernet Sauvignon- Coombsville, Napa Valley-
Tasting Notes- This vintage Cabernet can change each year as it is a single vineyard, single year limited release available only in the fall. There is no doubt Revelation is our best Cabernet and best wine each year! Dark and savoury, with earthy sage and black fruit aromas. Shows impressive depth of character with black fruit flavours woven with layers of mocha, tobacco leaf, graphite and dried herb. Rich and full bodied with ripe tannins and a long dynamic finish.
Region- Coombsville is a sub AVA (American Viticultural Area) of the Napa Valley. It is distinguished from other AVAs by its slightly cooler climate and its mix of soils which include mineral-rich volcanic ash and well-draining river rock. Coombsville wines are noted for their typically softer but still significant tannin, which provide excellent structure and mouthfeel, along with underlying layers of earth and mineral flavours.
Food Pairings- This wine is amazing on its own and will pair well with fine cuts of beef and elevated dishes.
The Specs-
Level: Superior
Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Heavy (featuring oak spheres and oak chips)
Ready in: 8 weeks
Volume: 11.5Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate & Grapeskins
Yields: 11.5Litres or ~15 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: Coombsville Cabs are often $150 per bottle and more!
Winexpert Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- Lodi Ranch 11 region of California-
Tasting Notes- With this Cabernet Sauvigon you will enjoy black currant, dark cherry flavours, hints of baking spice and notes of toasted oak. This Cabernet has Big flavour, is structured and has well-integrated tannins. The amazing tannins come from the addition of grapeskins during fermentation.
Region- Lodi is located right next to Napa Valley and is home to large Winery names like Mondavi and Sutter Creek. In recent years Lodi has become known for the award winning wines being produced by the more than 85 boutique wineries in the region- like the Spenker Winery and Oak Ridge Winery.
Food Pairings- This is the wine to pair with grilled steaks and flavourful meals. It is certainly also appreciated for its depth and character on its own by the glass.
The Specs-
Level: Ultra Premium
Alcohol: 14%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Heavy
Ready in: 6 weeks
Volume: 14Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate & Grapeskins
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: $30 per bottle and more!
Winexpert Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- Australia-
Tasting Notes- Classic Cab from the new world- Big berry fruits and black plum with notes of white pepper and toasted ceder with powerful tannins.
Region- Australia is known for leaning into new world winemaking and the Winexpert Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has all of the fruit forward, big berry character you would expect.
Food Pairings- This wine matches well with a wide variety of foods. Always at home with beef, grilled pork and chicken from the BBQ, rich pastas, and pizza.
The Specs-
Level: Premium
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Ready in: 6 weeks
Volume: 10Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: Aussie Cabs average $20 per bottle!
VineCo Estate Series Cabernet Sauvignon- Australia-
Tasting Notes- Black current notes are elevated with hints of chocolate and bay leaf. The addition of toasted oak adds character and vanillan notes to the wine.
Region- The climate is perfect for Cabernet and this wine reflects that long growing season- with the fruit-forward character you expect from Australia.
Food Pairings- Enjoy this wine with red meat and grilled meat dishes. Also goes with pasta and pizza.
The Specs-
Level: Premium
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Ready in: 6 weeks
Volume: 10Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: Aussie Cabs average $20 per bottle!
Winexpert Classic Cabernet Sauvignon- Chile-
Tasting Notes- Our Chilean Cab has deep colour, full body and a smooth finish. Berry aromas and flavour is balanced by mellow, toasted oak.
Region- Chile is a ‘New World’ Growing region with ideal climate and growing conditions. Chile can grow almost any grape variety but is well know for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmènere.
Food Pairings- Pair this Cabernet with your favourite grilled meats and simpler pairings like tomato based dishes.
The Specs-
Level: Easy Drinking
Alcohol: 12.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium-Full
Oak: Medium
Ready in: 4 weeks
Volume: 8 Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: Chilean Cabernets start at $15 per bottle and go up from there!
VineCo Original Series Cabernet Sauvignon- Chile-
Tasting Notes- This wine bursts with blackberry, black raspberry and cedar notes and a medium oak character.
Region- Chile is a ‘New World’ Growing region which is perfect for expressing Cabernet’s more fruity, play-full characters.
Food Pairings- Pair this Cabernet with your favourite grilled meats and simpler dishes like pasta with tomato sauce or pizza.
The Specs-
Level: Easy Drinking
Alcohol: 12.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium-Full
Oak: Medium
Ready in: 4 weeks
Volume: 8 Litres of Varietal Grape Juice & Concentrate
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: Chilean Cabernets start at $15 per bottle and go up from there!
On the House- Cabernet style
Tasting Notes- This easy drinking Cabernet style has Cab’s traditional black fruit and oak notes. No need to age this wine as it is designed to be consumed young.
Region- On the House wines are not country of origin specific as they draw grapes from around the world.
Food Pairings- Perfect with steak, spaghetti and burgers.
The Specs-
Level: Cheap and Cheerful!
Alcohol: 11.5%
Sweetness: Dry
Body: Medium
Oak: Medium
Ready in: 4 weeks
Volume: 6 Litres of Grape Concentrate
Yields: 23Litres or ~30 x 750ml bottles
Compare at the Liquor Store: $12 per bottle
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most widely-planted grape for a reason. Cabernet offers great fruit, balanced with good acidity and soft tannins. Cabernet grows in just about any growing region in the world and grape growers and winemakers love working with this expressive grape. Cabernet will pair with a variety of foods from your best cuts of beef to take-out pizza night!
When you’re not sure which red wine to choose to make in-store with Wine Sense it’s always safe to go with a Cabernet Sauvignon!
(Liquor Store comparisons are based on average prices from March 2024)
