May 27th 2025
The Best Pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon always adds bold personality and richness to the party, whether it's a weekend backyard BBQ or carefully crafting the ultimate cheese board for wine night. Its firm tannins, dense structure, and complex blackcurrant, plum, and spice flavors make Cabernet Sauvignon our go-to red for food that’s rich, layered, and flavor-packed.
Let's see how this iconic red lifts robust dinners—from meats to fungi—and crosses the best California style and French wine refinement.
Why We Love Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is not simply another red wine—it's a taste titan. With its powerful tannins, dark fruit flavors, and oak undertones, the wine pairs naturally with weighty and rich dishes. We tend to reach for it when our dish is bold, our hunger is enormous, and our dinner table craves a wine that won't back down.
Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the globe's most extensively planted and acclaimed wine grapes, originating from Bordeaux in France and now flourishing in California. Its versatility throughout the world's regions allows us to enjoy it in various styles, refined and terroir-driven from Bordeaux, full-bodied and fruit-biased from Napa Valley.
Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023
Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand
Adaptation (Odette) Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California
Classic Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Meat
Few things hit the spot, like Cabernet Sauvignon and red meat. The tannins of the wine are ideal for cutting through the fattiness and texture of:
- Ribeye or tomahawk steak
- Lamb chops
- Gourmet burgers
We adore the fattiness of a marbled steak that mellows the tannins, coating the palate with a velvety smoothness. The complexity of the wine's flavor is not overwhelming, it stands on its own handsomely alongside grilled meats. That's why this combination continues to be a classic favorite.
Cheese & Cabernet: A Flavor-Packed Duo
Cabernet Sauvignon isn't reserved for meat enthusiasts. It's a showstopper on cheese platters, too. When you're having a wine night at home, we adore pairing it with firm, mature cheeses such as:
- Sharp cheddar
- Aged gouda
- Blue cheese
The creaminess and saltiness of these cheeses complement the wine's fruity center and mellow the wine's harsh tannins. A well-balanced cheese board with a handful of nuts, dried fruits, and some cracker crunch makes any carefree night a banquet. It's the sort of pairing that encourages us to stay at the table longer.
Vegetarian Pairings That Stand Up to Cabernet Sauvignon
Just because a meal is plant-based doesn’t mean it can’t match the richness of meat-based dishes. We’ve discovered a few standout vegetarian recipes that more than hold their own alongside a bold glass of Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Creamy mushroom risotto
- Eggplant parmesan layered with marinara and mozzarella
- Hearty lentil stew or lentil-mushroom burgers
These courses bring deep umami and earthy richness, resonating with the multilayered complexity of a fine Cabernet Sauvignon. For example, the rich savory flavor of mushroom risotto captures the wine's dark fruit and spice, and the mouthfeel of eggplant and lentils matches the bold tannins. This indicates that vegetarian meals can be indulgent and perfectly paired with a red wine.
Global Pairing Ideas: From California BBQ to French Fare
We often like to take our taste buds on a trip. From the American West to rural France, Cabernet Sauvignon fits seamlessly into a variety of international cuisines:
California Favorites
- BBQ ribs with smoky sauce
- Slow-cooked brisket
- Tri-tip with garlic herb rub
French Favorites
- Duck confit
- Cassoulet (hearty bean stew with meats)
- Beef bourguignon
These dishes trigger the wine’s complexity, and when we’re feeling fancy, they make for a lovely dinner party menu. Whether it’s California sunshine or French finesse on the plate, Cabernet Sauvignon cements the two worlds with ease.
Shop Cabernet Sauvignon and Perfect Pairings at WHWC
At WHWC, we enjoy putting together a collection of Cabernet Sauvignon bottles that vary from daily drinks to collector's wines. Whether you're looking for a California Napa Valley Cabernet or a more structured French version, you'll discover something that suits your style and dinner plan next. You can shop our Cabernet Sauvignon Collection for bottles carefully selected for taste, balance, and pairability.
