Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most renowned red wine varieties, celebrated for its bold flavours, complex structure, and remarkable ageing potential. With rich dark fruit notes, subtle hints of spice, and a beautifully balanced finish, it’s a wine that captures the essence of elegance and power. Whether enjoyed with hearty meals or on its own, Cabernet Sauvignon offers a timeless appeal that continues to captivate wine lovers around the globe. Join us at Groot Phesantekraal and discover how our exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon reflects the unique terroir of Durbanville in every sip.

What is Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep, dark red wine renowned for its rich flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by herbal notes and, depending on age, subtle hints of vanilla or tobacco. Originally a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux, it has become one of the most widely cultivated grape varieties worldwide. Known for its high tannins and balanced acidity, Cabernet Sauvignon boasts both structure and ageing potential, making it a favourite among wine enthusiasts and collectors. 

Introduced to South Africa in the 17th century, Cabernet Sauvignon quickly adapted to the country’s diverse climates, flourishing in regions such as Stellenbosch and Durbanville. Over the years, South African winemakers have honed the craft of producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons, celebrated for their depth, complexity, and unique character that reflects the terroir of this remarkable region. Today, South Africa is one of the key producers of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon Sweet?

Cabernet Sauvignon is typically a dry red wine with minimal residual sugar, contributing to its bold, structured profile. However, its ripe fruit flavours, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, can create a subtle perception of sweetness on the palate. This is due to the intense fruitiness, which provides richness and smoothness without adding actual sugar, offering a balanced complexity.

What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?

Cabernet Sauvignon has concentrated dark fruit flavours, such as blackcurrant and blueberry, which carry through to the palate. It features subtle notes of pinecone and black pepper that blend harmoniously with the fruit, creating a full-bodied and complex wine. The wine has a tight, structured mouthfeel with hints of dried herbs, highlighting the cool-climate terroir. It finishes long and smooth, with a lingering blueberry aftertaste.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are often compared, but each brings its own personality to the table. Here’s how they differ.

Flavor Profile

Cabernet Sauvignon’s characteristics include bold dark fruit flavours like blackcurrant and blackberry, with earthy and herbal notes. Oak ageing adds complexity, bringing hints of vanilla, tobacco, and cedar. Merlot is softer, showcasing red fruit like plum and cherry, often with chocolate and spice undertones. While Cabernet Sauvignon has a tannic, structured profile, Merlot is smoother and fruitier.

Ageing Potential

Cabernet Sauvignon’s robust tannins and acidity give it excellent ageing potential, developing secondary flavours like leather and earth over time. Merlot matures more quickly but can also age well, especially from regions like Bordeaux’s Pomerol, offering a refined drinking experience.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Pinotage

Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage are loved by wine enthusiasts, but their differences create unique tasting journeys. Let’s compare them:

Flavor Profile

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for bold flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry, with herbal and earthy notes. Oak ageing adds complexity with hints of vanilla, tobacco, and cedar. Pinotage, a South African variety, features ripe red fruits like plum and cherry, with smoky, earthy, and sometimes banana-like notes, offering a unique profile compared to the structured depth of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ageing Potential

Cabernet Sauvignon’s firm tannins and acidity give it excellent ageing potential, evolving into leather, cigar box, and earthy flavours over time. While Pinotage isn’t typically aged as long, it can develop beautifully with refined flavours and softer tannins, though it has a shorter optimal drinking window.

What to Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold structure and tannic nature make it a great match for rich, hearty dishes that complement its intensity.

• Meats: Grilled or roasted lamb, beef, and venison work well with Cabernet Sauvignon, as its tannins cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing the savoury flavours.
• Cheeses: Aged cheddar, gouda, and other firm cheeses pair beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon, with the wine’s tannins balancing the richness and sharpness of the cheeses.
• Other Dishes: Rich stews and dark chocolate desserts also complement Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s acidity balances the richness of stews, while its bold flavours elevate the deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate.

Award-Winning Cabernet Sauvignon from Groot Phesantekraal

Groot Phesantekraal’s Cabernet Sauvignon wine showcases the essence of South African winemaking, capturing the unique character of Durbanville’s terroir and the craftsmanship behind each bottle. We are incredibly proud of our Cabernet Sauvignon for receiving such prestigious recognition. Earning 4.5 stars in the 2024 Platter’s by Diners Club South African Wine Guide and a double gold at the 2023 Michaelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards highlights the exceptional quality and craftsmanship behind every bottle. These accolades reflect Groot Phesantekraal’s commitment to producing wines that embody the best of South African winemaking.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Concentrated dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant and blueberries follow through to the palate. Pinecone and black pepper scents are in harmony with the fruit, creating a full-bodied complex wine. Beautiful tightness on the palate with dried herb nuances emphasises the cool climate terroir. The wine has a long, full finish that lingers with a blueberry aftertaste. 

The Groot Phesantekraal’s Cabernet Sauvignon’s price is R169.00

Uncork the Magic of South African Wine with Us at Groot Phesantekraal

At Groot Phesantekraal, we offer more than just exceptional wines. Join us for a wine tasting experience that showcases the unique flavours of our award-winning wines. Afterwards, enjoy a delightful farm-to-table breakfast or lunch at our restaurant, where every dish is made with the finest locally sourced ingredients and perfectly complemented by our wines. For those seeking a deeper connection with our wines, The Wine Herd, our exclusive wine club, provides members access to limited releases, special events, and an inside look at the winemaking process. If you’re curious about our wines or have any questions regarding our Cabernet Sauvignon, feel free to contact us via our website. Visit us and fully immerse yourself in the Groot Phesantekraal experience, where you’ll have the opportunity to savour what we proudly consider the best Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa.