Also Douro dry reds, Left Bank Bordeaux Red Blends, Meritage
Cabernet Sauvignon is often a “meditation” wine for many people that is already in balance for their tastes and can be altered in taste by food. Thus, do not waste an expensive, favorite Cab while eating food unless your budget allows.
Cabernet Sauvignon is usually a full bodied, high tannin, medium acid wine when made as a 85-100% varietal or even as a blend with over 50% of the Cab Sauv. The tannins make it good to pair with salty and fatty foods, while the medium acid allows it versatility to pair with either slightly acidic foods or mostly savory foods. If the grapes were grown in warm climate area, the acid will be “medium minus” toward the savory food end (Napa, Washington State). In cool climate areas (left bank Bordeaux) it is medium plus acidic so pairs with slightly more acidic foods. Avoid pairing it with very spicy foods, as those flavors do not go well together.
Jamón Reserva with Roasted Fig and Dried Sonoma Fruit
Roasted Beet Salad with Shallot, Black Walnut and Greens
Meatballs with a sauce made from dark berries, such as black cherries, blackberries or a savory black currant sauce
Crackers and blackberry or black currant jam/preserves on cream cheese
Cheeses – blue cheeses, medium or sharp Cheddar, Edam, Glouchester, Gruyere, Muenster, Provolone (aged), Parmesan, Pecorino, Roncal, Smoked Gouda or aged Gouda, Brie or Camembert cheese with the rind
Beef Jerky, Cheddar Cheese Corn Chips, Pretzels
Dark chocolate (70%+ cacao)
Portobello and Goat Cheese Tarts or Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs
Prosciutto ham or deli-sliced roast beef rolled around Manchego cheese or gherkin pickles
Bacon Wrapped Blue Cheese-stuffed Dates
Herbed Crackers with Red Wine and Cheese Dip
Mixed Mushroom Medley in Wonton Wrappers
Walnut Pepper Biscotti (light on the black pepper)
Goat Cheese Wrapped Grapes using seedless black grapes and pecans, walnuts, or pistachios to coat
Add a recipe you like with these wines