Wine is an acquired taste. Some people like to stick with what they know, but if you’re looking for something new and adventurous try down the aisle at your local grocery store or wine shop.
The list of alternatives below will help you find a Cabernet your heart desires without breaking the bank. There are many options, and each one is more affordable than its wine glass-less counterparts.
Cabernet Franc wines are typically associated with the flavors of black fruit, like plum and cedar. This type has a high alcohol content that makes it perfect to drink while cooking your favorite grilled steak.
About Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine lovers around the world appreciate Cabernet Sauvignon for its robust flavor and rich aroma.
The grape itself is a dark, purplish color, but as it matures on the vine, it turns to a deeper more intense red color.
Cabernet Sauvignon is most often grown in warmer climates such as California, Chile, and Australia. The grape thrives in these areas because it needs a longer growing season than other varietals in order to fully develop its flavor.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are some of the most full-bodied red wines available. They are typically dry, with high tannins and strong fruit flavors.
Common fruit flavors include blackberry, plum, and cassis. Cabernet Sauvignon wines can also have vegetal notes of bell pepper or green olive.
The high tannin levels give the wine a firm structure, and the strong fruit flavors make for a long-lasting finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon is well-paired with a variety of flavors, but it goes especially well with strong foods like steak and lamb. The wine’s robust flavor can cut through the meatiness, while the fruit notes can be brought out by searing the meat on the grill or in a pan.
Benefits of Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wine grape varieties worldwide. It is widely planted in many countries and produces wines with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to full-bodied and intense.
Some of the benefits of Cabernet Sauvignon include:
Rich, Intense Flavors
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its complex flavors, ranging from berries to herbs and spices. These bold flavors make it a great choice for pairing with richer foods like steak or lamb.
Smooth Texture
The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon are softer than in other red wines, which makes it a great choice for people who find other red wines too astringent.
It also goes down smoothly, making it an ideal choice for days when you want something to sip on that won’t be too filling or heavy.
Diversity of styles
As mentioned above, Cabernet Sauvignon can be made in a variety of styles. This means that there’s a Cabernet Sauvignon out there to suit every taste. Whether you want a light and fruity wine or a full-bodied and intense one, you’re sure to find a Cabernet Sauvignon that’s perfect for you.
Food-Friendly
Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold flavors make it a great wine for pairing with food.
Whether you’re serving steak or lamb for dinner or just looking for a wine to enjoy with cheese and crackers, Cabernet Sauvignon is a great option.
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most age-worthy red wine varieties, with many bottles able to be cellared for years or even decades.
This makes it a great choice if you want to lay down a bottle for future enjoyment or for gifting to a wine lover who will appreciate aging the bottle themselves.
Merlot
Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is a red wine that is known for its full body and complex flavor. However, Merlot tends to be a bit softer and more approachable than Cabernet Sauvignon.
This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for an alternative that is still similar in style.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a lesser-known grape varietal that is gaining popularity among wine collectors and enthusiasts. With flavors of blackberry, cherry, and dark chocolate, this bold red pairs well with barbecue or steak dishes.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a Spanish grape varietal that offers flavors of plum, black cherry, and tobacco. It’s often aged in oak barrels, giving it a bold and complex flavor profile that is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Malbec
Originally from France, this red wine variety has now become known as a distinct varietal of Argentina. Malbec is known for its velvety texture and flavors of plum, blackberry, and chocolate. This wine pairs well with steak or lamb dishes.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a grape varietal that was originally cultivated in Italy but has now become popular in the United States as well. This red wine is known for its bright acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, and spice. Sangiovese pairs well with pasta dishes or pizza.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a red wine varietal that is known for its intense flavor and high alcohol content. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper make this wine a good match for hearty meat dishes.
other great alternatives:
- Côtes du Rhône
- Ribera del Duero
- Bordeaux – Graves or Cotes de Bordeaux
Conclusion
Wine lovers often have a strong preference for Cabernet lovers, but you don’t need to feel left out if you don’t care for it. There are plenty of other great wines similar to Cabernet Sauvignon that offer both the taste and quality that you crave.
The next time you’re in the mood for a glass of red wine, be sure to give one of these six alternatives a try. You just might find your new favorite.
Cheers!
