Meat, meat, red meat, dark meat, meat and more meat. Okay, okay, there are more foods that go well with Cabernet Sauvignon, though meat takes the lion's share. In this Cabernet Sauvignon guide, we go beyond the simple combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and steak. I've added appetizers, pizza, pasta, and plenty of vegetarian options to enjoy with Cabernet.
Pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon
Here's everything you need to know about the world's most cultivated red grape variety. With some basic information, you can pair Cabernet Sauvignon even better.
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon come from?
Cabernet Sauvignon originally comes from the famous Bordeaux wine region of France. It is the result of a natural cross betweenCabernet-FrancjSauvignon branco. Since its introduction in the 17th century and its popularity in Bordeaux vineyards in the 18th century, Cabernet Sauvignon has become the most widely cultivated grape variety in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is king and no other grape variety comes close.

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon so popular?
The simple answer to why Cabernet Sauvignon is so popular is because it tastes delicious. It is full-bodied, fruity, has a balanced acidity and lots of tannins that make it suitable for ageing. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a wine that goes very well with many dishes, but it can also be enjoyed on its own with a littlecouncil.It is also a relatively easy grape to grow and produces a good yield that makes it viable for winemakers. Furthermore, its popularity spawned even more popularity. If everyone likes it, maybe you will too!
Best Regions for Cabernet Sauvignon
bordeaux
The birthplace of Cabernet Sauvignon remains a key production site for the classic version of Cab. Centuries of wine knowledge and tradition come together to offer this exceptional result that any wine lover will appreciate. It is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot to create classic Bordeaux wines.
California(Napa)
each one sinceJudgment of Paris, Cabernet Sauvignon exploded in California. Basically, a bottle of Napa Cabernet beat the best French wines in a blind tasting and cemented Napa's place on the wine list. Since that fateful day in 1976, Napa Cab has become America's wine. In Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon has a slightly more woody character and a higher tannin structure. Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is very expensive, but worth it for a special dinner and wine experience.
the rest of california
California's mild winters and hot summers make it an ideal place to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the most widespread grape variety and each year its area increases. Cabernet Sauvignons from other California AVAs are better values compared to famous Napa producers.
Chile
After the popularity of Cabernet Sauvignon in the new world, one of the best regions to choose from is Chile. Vineyards across Chile produce a milder version of Cabernet Sauvignon that is exceptionally inexpensive.
More information on Cabernet Sauvignon can be found here.
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What does Cabernet Sauvignon smell like?
Cabernet Sauvignon has such a distinctive aroma that once you smell it, you'll never forget it. It brings together notes of blackberries, violets, blackcurrants and often green peppers, not to mention all the flavors that the oak barrels give such as vanilla, tobacco and spices.
What is the taste of Cabernet Sauvignon?
While the flavor of Cabernet Sauvignon can vary from region to region, you'll almost always smell blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant aromas. It is a wine of medium acidity, full-bodied, with high tannins and moderate to high alcohol. Cabernet Sauvignon has a creamy mouthfeel that is often described as velvety. Cabernet Sauvignon benefits significantly from aging in barrels, adding flavors of vanilla and spice.More Cabernet Sauvignon wine descriptions can be found here.

Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics to be considered when pairing dishes
Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine with high concentrations in almost every category. Acidity, tannin, alcohol and body are all medium to high and you need to keep that in mind when it comes to food pairing. Keep in mind that this is a dry wine, albeit a fruity one. The key to pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon is taking the tannins into account. Tannins need protein to be broken down. Cabernet is rich in tannins and goes best with meats that are not too lean and high in protein. It's no coincidence that every steakhouse only has 10 pages of cabernets.
Cabernet Sauvignon pairing list
Without further ado, here's all the information you need to pair Cabernet Sauvignon!
Appetizers for Cabernet Sauvignon
While it's a bold choice to start a meal, there are many appetizers that pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon. Remember that any meal that comes after the starters needs to be even bolder.
- dumplings
- lamb skewers
- stuffed mushrooms
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- sausages
Cabernet Sauvignon and sandwiches
Although Cab is a wine that shines with the right food, nothing prevents you from enjoying its absolute flavor right away! Combine with cheese and crackers, pork patties, nachos and mozzarella sticks.

Salate mit Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cab's fruity aromas and flavors make it ideal for pairing with any berry salad or fruit-based dressing. Fall salads with dried fruit work, or as you can probably guess, a steak and blue cheese salad goes really well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pizza e Cabernet Sauvignon
As Cab is a heavier red wine, it goes very well with cheese pizzas. The acid balances out the heavy cheese and enhances the pizza's flavor even more. A meat lover's pizza is another obvious choice with cabernet. But a simple pizza with green peppers and mushrooms also goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chicken and poultry dishes that go well with Cabernet Sauvignon
It is well known that chicken and poultry must be paired with white wine. This is usually the case, BUT the way you cook poultry dishes will help create a complementary pairing with rich red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Chicken with tomato sauce and cab
Tomato based sauces make for a heavier chicken dish, add how well the acidity combines with Cabernet and you have a very good combination. Adding mushrooms and peppers makes the combination even better.
Roasted Chicken and Cabernet Sauvignon
A simple roasted chicken goes great with any great tasting red wine like Cab. Throw some potatoes in the pot with some herbs and you'll be fine. You can still opt for aged Cabernet Sauvignon versions, which are milder.
Turkey Dinner with Cabernet Sauvignon
Roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and cabernet sauvignon. Hmm! The bright red fruits of the cranberry sauce make this dish a great wine pairing.
Pork with Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the combinations that you must try is taxi with chicharrón. The reason? Pork fat cuts the tannin structure of the wine and further tenderizes the meat. Pork dishes cooked with fruits such as prunes pair particularly well with Cab.See more pork and wine pairings here.
Pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon: Sandwiches
Steak and Cheese with Cabernet Sauvignon
Needless to say, Cabernet Sauvignon shines particularly well with red meats. There, its tannins work wonders. So any steak sandwich makes a great side dish for the cab. And when you throw in a lot of cheese, you get the best of all worlds! I'm craving a Philly Cheese Steak right now!
Classic Cheeseburger and Cabernet Sauvignon
A classic Cabernet Sauvignon burger is amazing for the many reasons listed, but...
Lammburger com Cabernet SauvignonIs a pleasure!

Meat dishes with Cabernet Sauvignon
This is clearly the obvious category. Cabernet Sauvignon was prepared with red meat. Essentially, every part of a cow goes well with Cabernet. However, Cordeiro also makes a great pairing with Cab. Read on for more Cabernet Sauvignon beef pairings.
Cordero mit Cabernet Sauvignon
Another must-have side of the cabin is none other than the lamb. Again, the wine's tannins and acidity produce exceptional results when paired with heavy, oily lamb, whether roasted or grilled. FORRack of lamb paired with BordeauxIt's a classic food and wine pairing.
Prime rib e cabernet sauvignon
Prime Rib is a rich meal that pairs perfectly with dry, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon.
New York Strip e Cabernet Sauvignon
One of the most popular steaks in the world, the New York Strip has a strong meaty flavor and enough fat to pair perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Filé Mignon and Cabernet Sauvignon
Even a leaner cut of meat like filet mignon can pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, especially if you opt for a leaner style of Cabernet like Bordeaux or Chile.
Vegetarian dishes that go well with Cabernet Sauvignon
If you want to combine the taxi with meatless dishes, opt for the heavier and more flavorful vegetarian options. For example, think about alternatives that contain mushrooms or eggplant.
Here is a list of vegetarian dishes that go well with Cabernet Sauvignon:
- veggie burger
- mushroom risotto
- vegan enchiladas
- vegetarian chili
- roast potatoes
- Ratatouille Tart
- pasta with cheese
- eggplant with parmesan

Cabernet Sauvignon com Queso
Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect complement to aged cheeses with deep, complex flavors.
Here are some of the best cheeses that pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cheese
- Aged Cheddar (fun tip, aged cheddar with aged cab, fresh cheddar with young cab)
- gouda
- blue cheese
- brick
- Gruyere
Serving Suggestions for Cabernet Sauvignon
To fully enjoy your Cabernet Sauvignon, be sure to serve it properly. Any wine lover looking for the perfect flavor should definitely decant Cabernet Sauvignon before serving. This will "open" the wine and also remove any debris that may have settled to the bottom of the bottle. I personally likethis shape decanterfor Cabernet.
In general, red wines are served very hot. For optimal flavor, place the bottle in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. make sure you areStore your winescorrect.
Cabernet Sauvignon is an aged wine. Most cabs can be aged for at least a few years. The high concentration of tannins ensures that the wine only gets better.as a golden ruleSo if you paid over $40 for a bottle, surely the wine can age for at least 5 years.
Frequently asked questions about pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon
What foods go well with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Red meat is the soulmate of Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in the wine harmonize wonderfully with the fat in the meat. At the same time, Cab is an excellent accompaniment to poultry, cheese and hearty vegetarian dishes.
Which appetizer goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Fruit salads, cheese curds, mushroom pies, and pretzels are great appetizers that go great with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which cheese goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Aged cheese with a rich, complex flavor pairs perfectly with Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to its inherent complexity. Cheddar and Gouda are two cheeses to try with Cab.
Cabernet Sauvignon goes with Italian food?
As much of Italian cuisine is tomato-based, Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice to pair with most Italian dishes. The acidity of the tomato means that the wine needs to have more acidity so it doesn't taste boring or bland. And the Cab delivers that acidity and more!
Hope you enjoyed this Cabernet Sauvignon pairing guide! If you have other suggestions, please add them to the comments.