Welcome to the wonderful world of Cabernet!  Here you will learn more about those wonderful red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.  Explore the history of Cabernet grapes, learn about blending to add complexity, see which food pairings work best, and discover some wonderful cabernets including French wines, Italian wines, Spanish wines, Australian wines, and some excellent Napa Valley cabernets in the “Reviews” section.

Cabernet Sauvignon is not only a noble grape variety (which means the best wines are made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Bordeaux, France), but it’s adaptable, too.  It grows well in just about any climate that isn’t too cold.  As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon wines come from numerous regions, including California, France, Australia, South Africa, and Chile and in all price and quality levels, too.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape makes wines that are high in tannin and are medium- to full-bodied.  Because of the high tannin level, this red wine is often blended with other grapes, usually Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  Cabernet Sauvignon often goes by just its first name, Cabernet (although there are other cabernets) or even its nickname, “Cab”.

Cabernet Franc is actually a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (more on that later) and as mentioned above it is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to make Bordeaux-style wines.  The Cabernet Franc grape ripens earlier and has a more expressive, fruitier flavor as well as less tannin.  Cabernet Franc wines are a specialty of the Loire Valley in France.

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