If you ask any wine lover about the best wines in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon will definitely come up! The wine is named after the grape variety; it’s grown across the world and is especially popular in the Bordeaux region of France. A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon can make any party exciting and fun. The wine has flavors of berries and is also among the most versatile wines in the world when it comes to food pairings. Intrigued to know more about this wine and how you can enjoy it? Read our article on Cabernet Sauvignon in India: The Best Indian Red Wines.
Everything You Need To Know About Cabernet Sauvignon
So, how exactly was Cabernet Sauvignon created? Well, the story of this wine can be dated back to 17th century France. During that time, an accidental breeding of the Cabernet Franc grape and white Sauvignon Blanc grape took place. This resulted in the creation of the popular grape wine – Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has characteristics as interesting as its origin. It’s durable, thick, and has bold flavors. The flavor-concentration and age-worthiness of this wine have made it a popular choice among wine lovers and alcohol enthusiasts alike.
Fun Fact: Cabernet Sauvignon also has its own day! Every year, International Cabernet Sauvignon Day is celebrated on August 30. The credit goes to a Cabernet wine lover from the US called Rick Bakas, who created a day for this wine in 2009. The purpose of this day is to bring together all wine aficionados, winemakers, and drinkers to celebrate the Cabernet community.
Also Read: Discover The Different Types Of Red Wines
Taste And Flavor Profile
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with dark colors and a high alcohol content that ranges between 13.5-15% approximately. It’s high in tannins due to which it’s got a bitter, astringent flavor profile, and has medium acidity. The wine has flavors of blackberry, black cherry, spice, vanilla, licorice, and black pepper. The ideal temperature to serve Cabernet Sauvignon would be between 57°F to 58°F. And of course, if you want to enjoy all the flavors of this wine, it’s best if you serve it in a wine glass like a full-bodied Bordeaux glass.
Best Food Pairings For Cabernet Sauvignon
Thanks to the wine’s high tannin and alcohol levels, it’s best suited for foods that are high in protein. So, meats like pork chops, grilled lamb, sausages, etc. pair well with the wine. Another delicious pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon would be cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Blue Cheese. And don’t worry if you’re a vegetarian, you can also enjoy a vegetable burger or some grilled mushrooms with this wine.
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5 Best Indian Red Wines
- RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon by Sula Vineyards
- Cabernet Sauvignon by KRSMA Estates
- La Réserve by Grover Zampa
- SETTE by Fratelli Vineyards
- Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by Charosa Vineyards
1. RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon by Sula Vineyards
When it comes to wine brands in India, Sula Vineyards, with their extensive wine collection, has earned a great reputation in the country. One of their famous wines is RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon, a full-bodied red wine. It has aromas of dark fruits and berries with elegant and complex characters. The fermentation of the wine happens in French oak barrels for a period of 14 to 16 months. This red wine has medium acidity and gives luscious flavors of plums and blueberries on the palate.
Distillery: Sula Vineyards.
ABV: 14%.
Price:
- INR 1,850 in Maharashtra.
- INR 2,290 in Delhi.
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2. Cabernet Sauvignon by KRSMA Estates
One of the best wines created by KRSMA Estates is Cabernet Sauvignon. They have used fully ripe grapes from their vineyards to craft this delicious wine. It is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels. The wine has a purple color, and is medium-bodied. Every sip of this wine will give you complex notes of cassis and licorice along with mocha and dark cocoa undertones. On the palate, you’ll get the taste of black tea tannins and subtle notes of French oak.
Distillery: KRSMA Estates.
ABV: 12.3%.
Price: INR 1,700 for a 750 ml bottle.
Also Read: Beginner’s Guide To Different Types Of Wine Glasses
3. La Réserve by Grover Zampa
La Réserve definitely is among the best Indian red wines because of its smooth and rich flavors. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz and has a deep purple color. It’s a full-bodied wine with smooth tannins and intense flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and coffee beans. La Réserve has a long and gratifying finish. The maturation of this wine takes place in French oak barrels which contributes to the distinct flavor of this wine. One of the best things about La Réserve is that it can be enjoyed with several foods like poultry, and many other Indian dishes.
Distillery: Grover Zampa.
ABV: 14%.
Price: INR 1,200 for a 750 ml bottle.
4. SETTE by Fratelli Vineyards
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’re absolutely going to love SETTE by Fratelli Vineyards. This elegant wine is crafted in a way that it suits a variety of Indian dishes. It is a medium-bodied red wine that is crafted with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. French oak wood barrels are used for the maturation of SETTE. On the palate, you’ll get to experience vanilla-flavored silky tannins along with a vibrant finish. Some of the best Indian dishes to complement this wine are veg Kolhapuri and lamb stew!
Distillery: Fratelli Vineyards.
ABV: 13.8%.
Price: INR 2,085 for a 750 ml bottle.
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5. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by Charosa Vineyards
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, ruby colored wine by Charosa Vineyards. It is a dry red wine and has aromas of ripe fruits, chocolate, and a hint of spice. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and has a rich and soft taste on the palate. You’ll get the flavors of plum and raspberries, and the finish of this wine is a well-balanced tannin. You can enjoy it with foods like pasta in red sauce, lamb dishes, and cheeses with strong flavors.
Distillery: Charosa Vineyards.
ABV: 13%.
Price: INR 2,362 onwards.
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Summing Up
Elegance, sophistication, complex flavors, acidity, aging – you name it, Cabernet Sauvignon has it all! This International Cabernet Sauvignon Day, gather your drinking buddies and appreciate this fine wine. Whether you are a wine lover or not, this wine will do its trick and definitely make you one!
FAQs
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Available In India?
If you’re looking for a 100% grape varietal of Cabernet Sauvignon wine in India, you can try Sula’s RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Sauvignon by KRSMA Estates.
Which Is The Best Red Wine Brand In India?
Here’s a list of some of the best red wine brands in India:
- RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon by Sula Vineyards
- Cabernet Sauvignon by KRSMA Estates
- La Réserve by Grover Zampa
- SETTE by Fratelli Vineyards
- Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by Charosa Vineyards
Is Cabernet Sauvignon A Good Red Wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wines all over the world. Wine connoisseurs love this full-bodied wine because of its rich flavors, high alcohol content, and acidity. It can be paired with several foods, especially various meat dishes. That’s why it’s a good wine for those who love wine or want to enjoy the taste of red wine.
Which Type Of Wine Is Best In India?
Here’s a list of some of the best types of wine in India:
- RĀSĀ Cabernet Sauvignon by Sula Vineyards (red wine)
- Cabernet Sauvignon by KRSMA Estates (red wine)
- La Réserve by Grover Zampa (red wine)
- Zampa Soirée Brut by Grover Zampa (sparkling wine)
- The Source Grenache Rosé by Sula Vineyards (red wine)
Why Is Cabernet Sauvignon So Popular?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a thick-skinned grape, known for its versatility. The wine made from this grape has specific characteristics like high acidity, tannin, and alcohol content. The mellow softness and fruitiness of this wine is one of the many reasons for its popularity.
How Can I Drink Red Wine In India?
If you want to drink red wine and enjoy its flavors, it’s important that you choose the right glassware. You can pour the wine in a red wine glass, swirl it, whiff the aromas, and then taste it. In terms of drinking red wine in India, there are several red wines available in the country that you can easily purchase!
How Do I Choose A Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that has bold flavors and a high alcohol content. You’ll need to consider things like the wine’s color, distillery, and alcohol content when choosing a Cabernet Sauvignon. So, depending on your taste, you can either go for a 100% grape varietal or a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some other wine.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Or Sweet?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine with high tannins. When you take a sip of this wine, you’ll experience a drying sensation on your palate because of the interaction of the saliva in your mouth and the tannins of the wine.
