Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon red wine: a classic from the Valais region with international appeal

Cabernet Sauvignon: a noble grape variety of global significance

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most well-known and widely grown red wine grapes in the world. Originally from Bordeaux, this variety has spread to almost all wine-growing regions in the world over the centuries. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon can be found on vineyards covering over 310,000 hectares, from France and the New World to Valais, where it develops a unique style thanks to the Alpine climate.

The grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon vines are known for their thick skin, which gives the wines their characteristic tannins, acidity and intense aromas. These properties make the variety ideal for ageing in barriques and give the wines a high ageing potential.

The origin of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety: Bordeaux and beyond

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety originates from the Bordeaux region of France, more precisely from the Médoc. Here it is traditionally blended with other grape varieties such as Merlot or Cabernet Franc to create perfectly balanced wines. The Bordeaux climate, with its warm summers and mild winters, is ideal for the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

In the 1970s, genetic analysis proved that the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety originated from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. This origin also explains the often noticeable aromas of green bell pepper, herbs and blackcurrants.

Cabernet Sauvignon in Valais: Alpine elegance meets world-class quality

In Valais, Switzerland's largest wine-growing region, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape develops a special character thanks to the sun-drenched vineyards and mineral-rich soils. The Alpine climate, with its strong temperature fluctuations between day and night, helps to give the wines their distinctive freshness and complexity.

Here, Cabernet Sauvignon is often used as a component of high-quality cuvées, where it harmonises with Pinot Noir, Merlot or Syrah. These assemblages combine the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with the fruitiness and elegance of the other varieties.

Characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon wines: tannins, aromas and structure

Wines made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety are characterised by their unmistakable structure. In the glass, they show a deep red to violet colour, often reminiscent of cassis. The bouquet is characterised by aromas of blackcurrants, liquorice, cedar wood and, depending on the ageing process, also notes of spices or toasty aromas from the barrique.

On the palate, the wines impress with their strong tannins, lively acidity and impressive fruit intensity. The aromas of currants are often complemented by herbal notes, green bell pepper or a subtle smokiness, which comes into its own particularly with longer storage.

Cabernet Sauvignon and barrique: harmony of wood and grape

The dense tannins and high acidity of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make them ideal for ageing in barriques. In the small oak barrels, the wines gain complexity and the woody notes of vanilla, cedar or roasted almonds blend harmoniously with the fruit aromas. Cabernet Sauvignons are of great importance in various wine-growing regions and are often used in blends to create well-balanced wines.

Barrique ageing also increases the wines' shelf life. Well-aged Cabernet Sauvignon reds can easily mature for decades, developing even greater aromatic depth and richness.

Flavour profile: blackcurrants, herbs and more

The typical flavour profile of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine is intense and complex. When young, it is dominated by aromas of cassis, liquorice and green herbs. With age, secondary notes of tobacco, cedar and sometimes chocolate or liquorice develop. This diversity makes Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most fascinating wines in the world.

Cabernet Sauvignon: perfect food companion

The strong tannins and spicy fruit make Cabernet Sauvignon red wine an ideal companion for a variety of dishes. Cabernets, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, go very well with roasted or grilled red meat such as beef or lamb, as the more intense sauces and the combination with good cheese help to balance the tannins and improve the combination of wine and food. It goes particularly well with:

• Grilled beef, such as a juicy steak or a tender fillet.
• Lamb dishes, especially when they are in a herb crust or have a strong sauce.
• Venison dishes, which benefit from the wine's intense aromas.
• Pasta with mushrooms or truffles, which are wonderfully complemented by the earthy notes of the wine.
  

Wine-growing regions: From Bordeaux to the New World

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety is not only a star in its native Bordeaux, but has established itself worldwide. In the wine-growing regions of the New World, such as Australia, California, Chile or South Africa, it is often vinified as a single variety and displays a more mature, fruitier style.

In Ribera del Duero or Tuscany, Cabernet Sauvignon is often found in famous cuvées such as Tignanello, where it contributes its structure and power. This flexibility makes Cabernet Sauvignon grapes one of the most versatile varieties of all.

Cabernet Sauvignon: a wine with a future

The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety will remain an indispensable part of the international wine world in the future. Its ability to adapt to different climates and soils, as well as its enormous potential for high-quality wines, make it one of the most sought-after varieties of all.

Whether as a single-varietal wine or as an ingredient in fine cuvées, Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Valais and around the world inspire with their versatility, elegance and storability.

Our Cabernet Sauvignon wine recommendation

Cabernet Sauvignon Adrian Mathier AOC VS

The Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Diego Mathier is available to buy in a 75cl bottle from the online shop on this website. Several vintages of this wine have won multiple international awards.

Interesting facts about Cabernet Sauvignon

Here you can find an overview of important facts about the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.

What type of wine is Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their typical bouquet of blackcurrants, with a hint of green pepper, black pepper and cedar wood. This is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular blending vines in the world. In some regions, especially in the New World, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are also used to make single-varietal red wines.

What does Cabernet wine taste like?

The bouquet and flavour of Cabernet Sauvignon red wines are characterised by a deep dark colour and the typical aroma of blackcurrants (cassis), complemented by notes of cedar wood, mint, graphite and dark chocolate. The wine is known for its concentrated fruit with pronounced tannins and an intense acidity.

What is the difference between Merlot and Cabernet?

Merlot reds have a lower tannin content and a predominantly subtle acidity. Wine novices often prefer Merlot because wines made from this grape variety reach drinking maturity much earlier. They are also uncomplicated wines that are a lot of fun to drink when they are young.

What is the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc?

The red wine variety Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between the white wine grape variety Sauvignon Blanc and the red wine grape variety Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape ripens much later than, for example, the Chardonnay and Riesling varieties. For this reason, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape prefers warmer locations and regions.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon very acidic?

As late as the 18th century, wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which are a cross between the white Sauvignon blanc and the red Cabernet franc, was considered inedible. This is mainly because young wines from this particular grape variety have a high tannin and acid content.

Which is better, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon?

Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot has less tannin and less acidity. In addition, Merlot is less long-lasting but has a higher alcohol content than Cabernet. The exact origin of the Merlot grape is largely unknown. Merlot is more accessible, fruitier and softer on the palate, which makes it more versatile and easier to pair. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is characterised by a firmer and more intense structure, as well as higher acidity.