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Red grape
Saved references Cabernet Sauvignon
A deeply coloured, tannic red variety that often provides structure in blends. Blackcurrant, herbs and age-related cedar or tobacco are useful reference points, but ripeness and oak can radically change the balance.
Three clues to explore
Substantial tannin
Blending and oak complicate identification
Aromatic palette
Read the structure.
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LightFull
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What could you confuse it with?
Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenère overlap, especially in blends. Use tannin, freshness and fruit maturity together; eucalyptus is not a country stamp.
Origins & family
Origin
Bordeaux, France.
Family
Cabernet Franc × Sauvignon Blanc. A natural crossing that links Bordeaux’s red and white grape families.
In the vineyard
Later budbreak helps reduce spring-frost exposure, while late ripening demands adequate season length. Powdery mildew and trunk diseases are important vulnerabilities.
Growing season
Late budbreak reduces spring-frost exposure. Later ripening than Merlot requires a sufficiently warm, long season.
Vineyard sensitivities
Powdery mildew and trunk diseases are important; grey-rot susceptibility is comparatively lower.
Site & soils
Gravelly, well-drained, well-exposed Bordeaux sites favour ripening. Drainage and warmth help explain the association with the Médoc and Graves.
Regional expressions
Médoc and Graves
Often blended, with blackcurrant, savoury development and varying oak influence.
StructureFirm tannin and acidity support ageing; weight varies by vintage.
At the table16–18°C; verify blend and bottle age.
Explore Médoc and GravesNapa Valley
Many examples show ripe dark fruit and oak, though cooler sites and earlier picking give fresher styles.
StructureOften full-bodied with substantial tannin and alcohol.
At the tableKeep below warm room temperature; match concentration.
Explore Napa ValleyMargaret River
Often combines blackcurrant with leafy detail, structure and ripe fruit.
StructureMedium-full to full body with a fresh acid line.
At the table16–18°C; assess tannin before decanting.
Explore Margaret RiverCoonawarra
Blackcurrant and herb or mint notes can meet firm, ageworthy structure.
StructureMedium-full body; substantial tannin with freshness.
At the tableCompare mature and young wines separately.
Explore CoonawarraMaipo
Cabernet-led reds can combine blackcurrant and other dark fruit with freshness; Puente Alto offers a useful foothill reference.
StructureA firm tannin frame is common, while ripeness, blending and oak change the weight.
At the tableTaste before choosing aeration; match the actual tannin and sauce intensity.
Explore MaipoHawke’s Bay
Cabernet-led blends combine dark fruit and structure with Merlot and other partners.
StructureTe Mata Coleraine 2023 is 80%Cabernet Sauvignon,15%Merlot and 5%Cabernet Franc, from Hawke’s Bay estate vineyards.
At the tableAssess tannin, maturity and sauce weight; Coleraine is a blend name, not a single vineyard or GI.
Explore Hawke’s BayStellenbosch
A major Cabernet origin, with dark-fruited varietal wines and blends.
StructureMeerlust Rubicon 2021 nearly balances Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; blend and vintage shape the result.
At the tableAssess tannin and oak with the dish’s weight.
Explore StellenboschCellar & service
Winemaking & development
Extraction and seed maturity shape tannin quality. Merlot and other blending partners can broaden the middle palate. New oak contributes spice and sweetness of aroma without proving residual sugar.
Service & ageing
16–18°C; do not equate room temperature with a hot dining room. Taste young wines before choosing the amount of air and decant mature bottles primarily for sediment.
Pairing logic
Grilled beef, lamb, roast mushrooms and protein-rich dishes can soften the perception of tannin. Very delicate fish or strong chilli can be difficult matches.