Rich and robust or delicate and elegant, nowadays you can find many different red wines to suit all kinds of tastes and preferences. But where should you begin? Cabernet Sauvignon can be a good starting point.
Before we dive into the Cabernet Sauvignon world, I want you to understand that not all red wine grape varieties are created equal. Each unique grape variety creates a totally different wine in terms of texture, aroma, body and flavour profile. However, grape varieties themselves are only one aspect of the finished wine. Other factors can also influence the final result, such as the climate and soil types in which the grapes are grown, as well as the barrel the wine is aged and how long the wine is aged before it’s released. If you get the chance, try different examples of a certain grape to see if there’s a certain growing region or winemaking style that you prefer.
When it comes to the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, it has a tick, hearty skin which along with its seeds and stems, add tannin to the wine. Tannin is what makes your tongue turn prickly and dry and it’s also commonly experienced in black tea. Anyone who has drunk black tea knows exactly what this sensation feels like.
Because wines get their colour and much of their texture and flavour from the grapes’ skins, the thicker skin of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes create a rich, concentrated, and purple/black, full-bodied wine. Because Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-ripening grape, it does best in warm climates. Common flavours in Cabernet Sauvignon include blackberry and black currant, bittersweet cocoa, green bell pepper and herbs.
Aside from its varied flavours, there are some other great reasons to include Cabernet wine in your list of favourite alcoholic beverages.
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Great for Pairing with Delicious Food
If you are a red meat lover then a bottle of rich Cabernet wine will be a great companion to your favourite dishes. It goes well with menus with rich sauces and large, meaty recipes. This full-bodied wine is also perfect with all manners of food preparation, such as braised, broiled, roasted, grilled, seared and stewed. Some of the best food pairs for Cabernet Sauvignon wine are delicious burgers, slightly fattier steaks, beef short ribs and other braised beef recipes, grilled or roast lamb, blue cheese and portobello mushrooms with butter and garlic.
Health Benefits
Like with matcha tea, drinking red wine in moderation comes with many great health benefits. Cabernet Sauvignon contains the highest level of flavonoid, which is known to be good for the heart’s health. Moreover, Cabernet Sauvignon is also rich in antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, a compound that helps prevent clogged arteries and other cardiovascular diseases. And last but not least, Cabernet grapes contain the highest concentration of anti-ageing, anti-cancer and most of all, heart-friendly antioxidants.
Also Good for Your Teeth
While red wines are known for causing stained teeth, Cabernet wines actually contain a chemical that protects damage to tooth enamel. Since Cabernet is rich in flavonoids, drinking it in moderation can also help fight dental cavities and prevent inflammatory gum diseases. Plus, the antioxidants in grapes contain polyphenols, which are micronutrients that can fend off bacteria in gums and teeth, mitigating the risks of tooth decay.
Help You Have a Good Night’s Sleep
For times when you have trouble sleeping, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon wine before bedtime can help you with your sleep problems. How, you may ask? The simple reason for that Cabernet contains a high concentration level of melatonin, which is a hormone that helps promote sleep during the night. By improving the quality of your sleep, you’ll feel less fatigue and drowsiness during the day.
It Ages Beautifully
Due to its firm structure and robust flavour, this red wine can age beautifully. In fact, Cabernet has an ageing potential of 10 years and more. Whether you decide to drink your Cabernet now or save it for a special occasion, your should store it in a suitable place to make the most of it.
It’s Grown All Around the World
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely cultivated dark wine grape variety around the globe. You can find this grape varietal in just about every corner of the world – from France to Australia to Chile. With a bit of persistence, those who seek out Australian Cabernet Sauvignon will be reward with wines that can challenge international classics, often at lower prices.
South Perth, you’ll find a wine region called Margaret River, which has long been a weekend refuge for the city’s affluent residents and surfer dudes alike. While other parts of Australia can make terrific Cabernet Sauvignon. Margaret River is considered Australia’s most consistent region for top Cabernets.
The Cabernets produced in that region tend to fall between those extremes stylistically. The wines are never overripe, yet they avoid green characteristics. And when the wines show herbal notes, they’re pleasant hints of bay leaf and sage. Alcohol levels rarely exceed 14% and oak use (which varies by the producer) is generally balanced by fruit intensity. And while most of the wines show ample power, the calling card of the region is elegant. Give Cabernets from Margaret River a try and you won’t be disappointed.
