Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in the world.  The hero of Bordeaux in France, where it usually appears in a blend, it is also now grown in almost every wine growing country from Moldova to Greece.

This popular grape originates from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.  It is most prized for its low yields, thick skins, full body and complexity, but Cabernet Sauvignon is not an easy grape to be innovate with and not a simple grape to work with in vineyard or winery.

Whilst the best examples in the New World tend to come from California’s Napa valley, they are very pricey, so I checked out some affordable deliciously drinkable Cabernets from elsewhere:

WINES TO TRY

 

Coonawarra, S Australia: CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 ***STAR VALUE BUY***

£6.99 Lidl

The special terra rosa soil of this corner of south Australia is known as ‘the magic dirt’.  It is renowned for growing some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignons.  The wines are so unique with a minty edge, elegant, restrained with delicious blackcurrant and plum fruit.  Thank you Lidl for such a great value introduction to Coonawarra.

 

 

Margaret River, W Australia: XANADU FUSION MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020

£10.95 The Wine Society

Another well priced Aussie Cabernet, this is so elegant, succulent, juicy with silky soft tannins with a hint of spice.  Predominantly made from Cabernet with a hint of Petit Verdot to perk up the finish.  Margaret River Cabernets are usually pricy, so this Bordeaux-style bargain with a classy restraint is a treat.

Maipo, Chile: MORRISONS THE BEST CHILEAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022  ***STAR VALUE BUY***

£8.50 Morrisons

A fabulous value example of how polished and juicy Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon can be, particularly from its historic Maipo region south of Santiago.  Upfront pungent fruit on nose, rich blackcurrants palate, smooth tannins – this is a very approachable introduction to the grape in Chile.

Mendoza, Argentina: MARCHIORI & BARRAUD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022

£15.25 Corney & Barrow

Married couple Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud with friend Noelia Torres set up this fascinating project in the heart of Mendoza’s Lujan de Cuyo.  They are well known for their work with Vina Cobos with renowned Paul Hobbs, but this is the couple’s own small family terroir-led experiment working with Andrea’s family vineyard in Perdriel.  This entry level Cabernet blend is very stylish for the price with perfume, savoury notes, spice and green pepper twist.

Mendoza, Argentina: WEINERT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017

£18 The Wine Society

From a historic C19 winery which has had a new lease of life since Brazilian businessman Bernardo Weinert bought it.  His daughter Iduna and her husband now run the winery with Swiss-born Hubert Webber at the helm as winemaker, who matures wines in vast 2000 to 6000 litre foudres (casks) and releases wines after long ageing.  The result in 2017 is a beautifully mature mellow Cabernet with tobacco scented bouquet, restrained fruit and soft rounded tannins.

 

Thracian Valley, Bulgaria: CHERNO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MAVRUD ORGANIC 2015

£19.90 The Old Cellar

Remember Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon?  It might have fuelled many student parties in days gone by – but it is now worth a second look.  This is a high quality mature blend of 60% Cabernet with 40% local indigenous Mavrud grown near Chernogorovo (black forest) in the Thracian valley and matured for 9 months in Bulgarian oak.  Rich robust, mint, spice and dark chocolate Cabernet.

Robertson, South Africa: EXCELSIOR HERITAGE RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021  ***STAR VALUE BUY***

£13.49 Laithwaites

Great value example of a bright succulently fruity Cabernet from limestone soils in Robertson, made by a C19 family estate now run by Stephen and Freddie de Wet.  Loved its rich ripe cassis fruits, dried herb notes, smooth tannins and slight grip; its distinct vanilla notes indicate part maturation in American oak.

Margaret River, W Australia: PARTERRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON FRASER GALLOP ESTATE 2019 ***STAR BUY***

£30 Corney & Barrow

From the famous Wilyabrup area of Margaret River, known for its stellar Cabernets.  This small producer has produced a beautifully fresh vibrant example of the Houghton clone of Cabernet Sauvignon – with other Bordeaux varieties (8% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc) complementing it in its flagship blend.  Cedar and berried fruits, savoury, dark tea, liquorice with subtle French oak notes – seriously good Cabernet which should age gracefully.

Stellenbosch, South Africa: LE RICHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019

£19.99 Waitrose

Stellenbosch has the largest plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Cape and its style straddle the Old World and New World with deliciously savoury herby fynbos character.  Le Riche has crafted a clever blend of terroirs in a big rich succulent style with lush textured palate dusted with cocoa.

Washington State, USA: GRAMERCY COLUMBIA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016

£42.99 Selfridges; Good Wine Shop; Stannary Wine

Ex-sommelier-turned-winemaker Greg Harrington was inspired by old Bordeaux and Napa Cabernets when he crafted this beauty.  Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot to soften and 1% Petit Verdot adding spice.  Blackberries, damsons, supple texture and a long finish – this is a superb blend from Phinny Hill, White Bluffs and Walla Walla subzones of up-and-coming Washington State.

Tuscany, Italy: CASALE FALCHINI ‘CAMPORA’ 1996 ***STAR BUY***

£41.99 Raeburn Fine Wines

A favourite at our recent Super Tuscan tasting, this is a superbly mature Tuscan treat made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on clays and yellow sands near the tourist hotspot of San Gimigniano.  Aged two years in French oak barriques – truffles and herbs on the nose, silky soft tannins and long complex finish.  Snap it up whilst stocks last.

By Rose Murray Brown MW     Published in The Scotsman 3 February 2024

Join Rose’s Fine French Classics Wine Dinner at Prestonfield on 16 May www.rosemurraybrown.com