Grown in nearly all major winemaking countries, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most recognized red wine grape in the world. As per research, it was born from an accidental cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century France.
Its varied flavor profile, robust durability, a beautiful tannin structure, and its ability to age make it a favorable grape variety to be grown worldwide. It is in your Bordeaux reds and your Super Tuscans, it is just undeniable.
Taste and Flavor Profile
- Body: Full bodied.
- Dryness: Medium dry.
- Tannins: Medium to high tannins.
- Acidity: Medium acidity.
- Alcohol: 13-15% ABV (Alcohol By Volume)
- Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherries, wood, baking spices, chocolate, soil, and graphite.
Food Pairing
This big boy wine grape is easily stereotyped to be a bold and harsh wine. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine pairs with a huge variety of food components. It works amazingly well with red meat, grilled food, roasts, mushrooms, rich berry sauces, reductions, chocolate, etc.
Here are few go to pairings with Cabernet Sauvignon (called Cab. Sauv in short):
- Beef is a match made in heaven. The bold flavor of the wine and the beef have a harmony like no other as one doesn’t overpower the other.
- Grilled, roasted meat and vegetables are a good pairing. The charred and roast flavors match well with the bold wine.
- Balsamic, thyme, oregano based sauces, and reductions pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, broccoli, and root vegetables are a good match for the wines.
- Chocolate and sweet spice perfumed desserts pair unexpectedly well.
- Aged hard cheese and blue cheese especially gorgonzola.
Pairing with Indian Food
- If you love high spice then these full-bodied wines become more favorable as it enhances the spicy nature of the food.
- Bold single varietal Cab. Sauv is banged on with Indian tandoori and grilled meats.
- Look for a blend of Cab. Sauv with a lighter more fruit-forward grape-like Malbec, Sangiovese or a Merlot to pair with Indian curries.
- Pair with cream-based dishes for a beautiful contrast. The best options are blends.
My pick of dishes will be:
Non- Vegetarian: Mutton Seekh kebab, raan, mutton barra kebab, kheema ( lamb and beef), chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, Andhra pepper chicken (for spicy food lovers), etc.
Vegetarian- Vegetable tandoori dishes, baingan bharta, paneer pasanda, malai kofta etc.
Best Indian Cabernet Sauvignon Wines
KRSMA Estates Cabernet Sauvignon: Undoubtedly the best single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon in India. It is a fruit-driven robust red wine with trademark cherries, black currant, hints of sweet spice, and well-integrated oak.
Vallonne Vineyards Anokhee Cabernet Sauvignon- Grand Reserve: This wine is the epitome of aged Cabernet Sauvignon from India. Aged for around 5 years in oak barrels and bottles. Rich full body, supple tannin, red fruits, hints of chocolate and spices it is a perfect wine for your wine dinners.
Grover La Reserve: It is not a single varietal wine, it is a blend with Shiraz. It has pronounced red and black fruits, chocolate and coffee note to it. One of the most economic reserve wines in India.
Sula RASA Cabernet Sauvignon: It is the top red wine from the Sula portfolio. harvested from low yield grapevines from selected pockets of Dindori in Nashik. This wine is elegant and bold as expected and pairs well with tandoori and grilled food.
Cabernet Sauvignon : Fun Facts
- Often called King “Cab”, the king of all grape varieties.
- It is the most planted grape in the world with around 720,000 acres worldwide.
- In China, these grapevines survive in the Gobi Desert, speaks great volumes about ist adaptability and durability.
Click here, to know recipes of few homemade
Know the different regions that produce Cabernet Sauvignon, here.
