Types of Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Full-bodied and rich, Cabernet is more assertive and complex than Merlot (Cab's gentle neighbor in Bordeaux) with more tannin and acidity and thus greater aging potential. Yup, Cab's a keeper, all right. Literally. This is a wine that likes its time in the cellar.

Cabernet shows off flavors of blackberries, plums, and cassis, along with vanilla, cedar, chocolate, and coffee. Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing partner for meat dishes like beef and lamb. Nothing's better than a simple grilled cheeseburger and a Cab.

Beyond its home base of Bordeaux, where it's typically blended with Merlot (along with a few other grapes), Cabernet Sauvignon does very well in California (particularly Napa), Washington, Chile, and Australia.

Some New World Cabernets are blended in the Bordeaux style, and some stand alone as single varietals.

Aromas: Black currant, plum, eucalyptus, bell pepper, olives, mint, vanilla, black cherry, cedar, anise, cassis