Cabernet

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for bold flavours of blackcurrant, cassis and blackberry, with notes of cedar, tobacco and spice. Depending on where it’s grown, it can also show mint, eucalyptus 🌿, or earthy undertones. Structured tannins and fresh acidity make it one of the most age-worthy red wines.

Cabernet blends combine Cabernet Sauvignon with other grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. These blends originated in Bordeaux, where each grape adds a unique element: Merlot softens tannins, Cabernet Franc adds aromatics, Malbec brings fruit depth, and Petit Verdot offers colour and spice. New World blends, like those from Australia and California, often use the same framework but with riper fruit and a modern twist.

Cabernet Sauvignon on its own is typically bold, structured and tannic. Blends tend to balance this power with softer, fruitier elements from Merlot or aromatic lift from Cabernet Franc. This makes blends more approachable when young, while single-varietal Cabernets often need time in the cellar to show their best.

Cabernet’s firm tannins and bold fruit make it ideal with red meats like steak 🥩, lamb and game. Blends, depending on style, can pair beautifully with everything from slow-cooked dishes and rich stews to roasted vegetables and hard cheeses. Bordeaux-style blends shine with classic French cuisine, while New World Cabernets love barbecued meats.

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown worldwide, but its most famous homes are Bordeaux in France 🇫🇷 and Napa Valley in California 🇺🇸. Australia 🇦🇺 produces powerful styles in regions like Coonawarra and Margaret River, while New Zealand 🇳🇿 offers elegant, cool-climate examples. At TradingGrapes, we stock Cabernet and blends from all four of these leading regions.

Yes — Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most age-worthy red wines. Premium examples can age for decades, developing flavours of tobacco, leather, truffle and dried fruit. Blends also cellar beautifully, especially those with high proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many Australian, French and Californian Cabernets are renowned for their longevity.

Cabernet Sauvignon has earned this title because of its global reputation, consistent quality and ability to produce both iconic single-varietal wines and legendary blends. It’s the backbone of many of the world’s greatest reds, admired for its structure, depth and ageing potential.

Yes — young Cabernets often benefit from decanting to soften tannins and open up aromas. Even 30–60 minutes in a decanter can make a big difference. Older bottles may also require gentle decanting to remove sediment.

Cabernet Sauvignon and its blends usually range from 13% to 15% ABV. Warmer-climate regions like California and Australia often produce fuller-bodied, higher-alcohol styles, while cooler regions like Bordeaux and New Zealand lean towards elegance and balance.

Cabernet Sauvignon can be bold and structured, but blends make it more approachable for newcomers. Many Cabernet Merlot blends are smooth, fruit-driven and easy to enjoy. At TradingGrapes, our range includes both powerful single-varietal Cabernets and accessible blends, making it easy to find a style that suits your taste.