The Secrets of Top Cabernet Sauvignon Brands
We all need the ideal list of good red wine brands so we can stock up. But with over 100,000 wines released every year in the United States, it’s a sea of choices. So, for this article, we’re taking a closer look at the defining traits of top Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine brands. Why Cabernet? Well, because as it’s the world’s most planted grape, it is the perfect place to start.
21 Top Cabernet Sauvignon Brands
Classic top rated Cabernet Sauvignon from the best growing regions in France, USA, Australia, Chile and South Africa.
What Makes Great Cabernet Sauvignon?
If you collect the technical information for the Cabernet blends listed above, you’ll recognize a few themes. Just so you know, what makes a Cabernet taste amazing might not work for other grape varieties.
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Extended Oak Aging
The wines are aged in oak, and most are in 100{45b0463633054486b24ea7f1d8a3d5c23c88cedad61f649c1174e653e8a53946} new French oak for about 22 months.
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Unfiltered
Wines are not filtered or fined.
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Good Acidity
Wines ranged from 3.4–3.7 pH which is a good runway for longterm aging.
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High Alcohol
The average was about 14–14.9{45b0463633054486b24ea7f1d8a3d5c23c88cedad61f649c1174e653e8a53946} ABV
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High Elevation
Wines were from hillside or sloped vineyard locations.
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Small Production
Except for maybe the Grand Vin of Bordeaux, the wines are made in small lots with small production methods.
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Vintage Matters
The best wines came from the exceptional vintages that happen about once every 5 years.
While the brands above are unobtainable (unless you don’t mind shelling out $10–25 per sip), you can still glean information about what makes them great. Then, next time you have a craving for the perfect Cabernet, look up the technical information to help you decide.
Happy seeking!
Which variety should we cover next? Ask below!
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