Cabernet Sauvignon: Subtle & Savory

In the heart of Virginia’s wine country, you’ll discover wines that honor tradition and others that take a daring turn. In both instances, Virginia’s winemakers have taken classic grape varieties and crafted wines with distinctive Virginian character.

With a rich tapestry of over thirty varieties cultivated, winemakers and viticulturists have become fluent in the language of the land. By carefully selecting and planting grapes that harmonize with Virginia’s diverse soils, they consistently yield high-quality fruit, forging a path toward excellence year after year.

Few people would approach a Chardonnay, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon expecting something new. Until you taste those from Virginia, which upend every expectation with a character all their own. Read along for Virginia’s fresh take on familiar grapes.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Subtle & Savory

Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon’s understated intensity will draw you in and keep you guessing.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely planted varietals and a longstanding favorite among vineyards and vintners. In Virginia, it is the fourth most planted red variety, where its versatility allows winemakers to produce a wide range of styles, from fruit-forward and approachable to complex and age-worthy wines.

The robust grape originally hails from the Bordeaux region of France. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, it gained international acclaim for its flavorful character and aging potential. With its thick skin, resistance to disease and later ripening tendencies, Cabernet Sauvignon is a hardy grape that thrives in diverse climates. Over the years, winemakers recognized the adaptability of Cabernet Sauvignon to Virginia’s terroir, leading to its successful cultivation and establishment as a player in the state’s winemaking landscape.

Renowned for its bold, full-bodied profile, Cabernet Sauvignon delights with flavors of dark fruits like blackcurrant, plum, and cherry with hints of herbs complemented by notes of tobacco, leather, and earthy minerality. In Virginia, you’ll find Cabernet Sauvignon bottled as a standout single varietal wine while also adding character to blends across the state.

Its firm tannins lend structure, pairing beautifully with robust dishes like grilled steaks or lamb. Foods with umami flavors such as mushrooms, stroganoff or Gruyere cheese allow the grape’s berry flavors to shine.

View Virginia wineries producing Cabernet Sauvignon.