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When you think of cabernet sauvignon, what comes to mind? For many people, the answer is rich, hearty foods. This makes sense, as cabernet sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with dishes like steak and lamb. But what if you want something a little lighter? Maybe you’re wondering what snacks pair well with cabernet sauvignon? In this blog post, we will discuss what to eat with Cabernet Sauvignon.
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What is cabernet sauvignon, and what are its key characteristics?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine that originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It is made with the cabernet sauvignon grape, which is known for its deep color and robust flavor. The grape initially attracted attention in Bordeaux for its ability to blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are typically full-bodied, with high levels of tannins and alcohol. They often have flavors of blackberry, cassis, and tobacco, and can be quite intense. When choosing a cabernet sauvignon wine, look for one that has been aged for at least two years; this will help to soften the tannins and make the wine more approachable.
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How to store and serve cabernet sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are best served at room temperature, so take the bottle out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to drink it.
When pouring cabernet sauvignon, be sure to use a decanter. This will help to aerate the wine and release its aromatics. If you don’t have a decanter, simply pour the wine into your glass and then give it a swirl before taking a sip.
Now that you know how to store and serve cabernet sauvignon, let’s talk about what food goes well with this type of wine.
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What does cabernet sauvignon pair with?
As we mentioned earlier, cabernet sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with rich, hearty dishes. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter, there are still plenty of options.
Here are some of our favorite food pairings if you’re wondering what to eat with cabernet sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing with Meat – Grilled Steak & Grilled Lamb Chops
If you eat meat and are looking for a classic cabernet sauvignon pairing, look no further than steak or lamb. The rich flavors of the meat will pair perfectly with the wine’s intense flavor profile.
Choose a Cabernet Sauvignon that has good fruit flavors and is not too heavy on the oak. A lighter-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will pair well with leaner cuts of meat, while a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will pair well with richer, more flavorful meats such as beef tenderloin or ribeye steak.
CLICK HERE for our post about what wine pairs with lamb!
Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Poultry – Chicken & Turkey
Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs well with poultry, such as chicken or turkey. The key here is to choose a recipe that has bold flavors, as the wine can easily overwhelm more delicate dishes.
Try pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with a chicken or turkey dish that has a robust sauce or gravy. The acidity in the wine will help to cut through the richness of the sauce, and the flavors will complement each other perfectly.
Pair Cabernet Sauvignon with Vegetarian Dishes
Just because cabernet sauvignon is a full-bodied fine wine doesn’t mean it can’t be paired with vegetarian dishes. In fact, the wine’s intense flavor profile can actually help to enhance the flavors of some vegetarian dishes.
Some great cabernet sauvignon pairings for vegetarians include:
- Roasted beet salad with goat cheese – The sweetness of the beets will pair well with the fruit flavors in the wine, while the goat cheese will add a richness that is complementary to the wine’s body.
- Butternut squash risotto – The creamy risotto will balance out the tannins in the wine, while the butternut squash will add a sweetness that pairs well with the wine’s fruit flavors.
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Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with a Burger
If you’re looking for a non-traditional pairing for cabernet sauvignon, try pairing it with a burger. The bold flavors of the wine will stand up to the richness of the meat, and the acidity will help to cut through the fat.
Choose a Cabernet Sauvignon that has good fruit flavors and is not too heavy on the oak. A lighter-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will pair well with leaner burgers, while a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will pair well with richer, more flavorful burgers.
Some great options include:
- Portobello mushrooms burger with blue cheese – The earthiness of the mushrooms will go well with the wine’s flavor profile, and the blue cheese will add a creamy element that pairs beautifully with cabernet sauvignon.
- Avocado and roasted pepper burger – The sweetness of the roasted peppers will pair well with the fruit flavors in the wine, while the avocado will add a creamy element that helps to balance out the acidity.
- Grilled onion and mushroom burger – The sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the mushrooms will both go well with cabernet sauvignon, and the grilled flavors will add a smokiness that pairs beautifully with the wine.
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Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Herbed Cheese – Brie & Camembert
This is a great choice for those who enjoy both red wine and cheese. The two flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a delicious and enjoyable experience. And don’t forget to try it with aged cheddar.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that has notes of blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate. It pairs well with rich, creamy cheeses like brie and camembert. The bold flavors of the wine are balanced by the mellow creaminess of the cheese, making for a heavenly combination.
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Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon Desserts
A medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice for pairing with desserts. The wine’s intense flavor profile can stand up to the sweetness of most desserts, and the acidity will help to cut through the richness.
Some great cabernet sauvignon pairings for dessert include:
- Chocolate cake – The sweetness of the chocolate will pair well with the fruit flavors in the wine, and the richness of the cake will be balanced by the acidity.
- Cheesecake – The rich and creamy cheesecake will pair well with the bold flavors of cabernet sauvignon, and the acidity will help to cut through the sweetness.
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Final Thoughts
Pairing food with Cabernet Sauvignon is all about finding a balance between the flavors in the wine and the flavors in the food. Red wines that are high in tannins can make the wine taste too astringent when paired with food, and wines that are low in fruit flavors can taste bland. Consider cabernet sauvignon appetizer pairing before your main course meal.
As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to what to eat with cabernet sauvignon. No matter what type of dish you’re in the mood for, there’s sure to be a cabernet sauvignon pairing that will suit your taste. So next time you’re looking for the perfect wine to pair with your meal, don’t forget about cabernet sauvignon. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best napa cabernet sauvignon food pairing recipes?
A: Some of the best food pairings for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon include:
- steak
- lamb
- roast beef
- venison
- pork chops
- chicken marsala
- seafood risotto
Q: What is the best wine to serve with mashed potatoes?
A: A dry wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be best. Something with high acidity and light fruit flavors will pair well with the creamy potatoes.
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