Cabernet Sauvignon
Red grape · The bold, tannic red behind Bordeaux and Napa.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®In short
Full-bodied with high tannin and high acidity, showing blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, and often a green bell-pepper note. It is usually oak-aged, which adds vanilla and spice, and it ages well.
Where it grows
Bordeaux, especially the Médoc on the Left Bank, plus Napa Valley, Coonawarra in Australia, Chile, and Tuscany in "Super Tuscan" blends.
Food pairing
Rich red meat and hard cheeses, where the firm tannin cuts through the fat.
Why it matters for WSET
A textbook high-tannin, full-bodied red. In WSET study it is often contrasted with the softer Merlot in Bordeaux blends.
Practise your grape knowledge
Grape varieties are core WSET material. Try free practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank and a wrong-answer notebook in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Is Cabernet Sauvignon dry or sweet?
Almost always dry. Its bold dark-fruit flavour can seem "sweet" but there is very little sugar.
What does Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?
Blackcurrant, black cherry, and cedar, often with a green bell-pepper note and firm, drying tannin.