Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
The king of red grapes. Full-bodied with firm tannins, dark fruit concentration, and remarkable aging potential. Born in Bordeaux, thriving worldwide.
Typical ABV (Alcohol by Volume)
13.5 – 15%
Serving Temperature
16 – 18°C (60 – 65°F)
Glass Type
Bordeaux Glass
Aging Potential
5 – 25+ years
Body
Full Body
Primary Region
Bordeaux, France
Flavor Profile
Blackcurrant
Cedar
Tobacco
Dark Cherry
Graphite
Best Food Pairings
Foods that complement Cabernet Sauvignon's bold tannins and dark fruit character.
Meat
🥩
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Red Meat · Grilled
96
High fat and protein soften tannins. Charred crust echoes smoky notes.
🍖
Braised Short Ribs
Red Meat · Braised
94
Rich, slow-cooked connective tissue pairs with firm tannin structure.
🍖
Lamb Rack with Herbs
Red Meat · Roasted
93
Herb crust echoes cedar and herbal notes. Lamb fat tames tannin.
🍕
Beef Bourguignon
Stew · Braised
91
Wine-braised beef creates natural harmony. Rich sauce meets full body.
Cheese & Dairy
🧀
Aged Cheddar
Cheese · Hard
92
Sharp, crystalline aged cheese complements tannic wines beautifully.
Vegetables
🍄
Portobello Mushroom
Vegetable · Grilled
87
Umami-rich mushroom echoes earthy undertones in the wine.
🍆
Eggplant Parmesan
Vegetable · Baked
84
Tomato sauce acidity and melted cheese cut through big tannins.
Desserts & Sweets
🍫
Dark Chocolate (70%+)
Dessert · Bitter
85
Tannin in both chocolate and wine complement each other. Bitter harmony.
Foods to Avoid
These pairings can create unpleasant clashes with Cabernet's bold tannins and high alcohol.
Raw Oysters
Delicate brine overwhelmed by tannin. Creates metallic taste.
Light Sushi / Sashimi
Tannin clashes with raw fish oils. Too powerful for delicate flavors.
Vinegar-Heavy Salads
High acidity in dressing fights wine acidity. Harsh result.
Sweet Desserts
Sugar amplifies tannin bitterness. Wine tastes harsh and dry.
Very Spicy Foods
High alcohol amplifies heat. Tannin adds drying effect.