Quick Answer
No, Cabernet Sauvignon does not need to be refrigerated. Properly stored, unopened bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon can be kept in a cool, dark place like a wine cellar or wine fridge for several years. However, once opened, Cabernet Sauvignon is best consumed within 3-5 days and should be refrigerated to preserve freshness and flavor. The ideal serving temperature for Cabernet Sauvignon is between 60-65°F.
How to Store Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-bodied red wine that is known for its firm tannins and notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. As with all wines, proper storage is important to prevent spoilage and allow the wine to age gracefully. Here are some tips on storing Cabernet Sauvignon:
Unopened Bottles
– Store unopened bottles upright in a cool, dark place around 55°F such as a wine cellar or wine fridge. Consistent, moderate temperature is ideal.
– Avoid storing bottles in places with large temperature fluctuations like near appliances or in direct sunlight. This can negatively impact the wine over time.
– Higher levels of humidity around 70% are preferable to prevent corks from drying out.
– Laying the bottles on their sides is unnecessary and mainly done for presentation purposes in a cellar. Storing bottles upright helps prevent the cork from coming into contact with the wine.
– If aging Cabernet Sauvignon for several years, consider investing in a wine fridge or cellar to provide ideal storage conditions. Properly stored, Cabernet can age beautifully for 10-15 years or longer.
Opened Bottles
Once opened, the enemies of wine are oxygen, heat, and light. To enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon at its best:
– Refrigerate any leftovers in the bottle. The lower temperature slows down oxidation and preserves the wine’s flavors.
– Use a wine vacuum sealer or wine pump to remove excess air from the bottle before refrigerating. This minimizes oxygen exposure.
– Consume leftover wine within 3-5 days for best results. The flavors will start to fade over time.
– Store opened wine in the refrigerator door racks, rather than deep inside the fridge where temperature fluctuations are greater.
– Avoid leaving an opened bottle on the counter overnight at room temperature. This accelerates oxidation.
What is the Ideal Serving Temperature for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Serving Cabernet Sauvignon slightly cooler than room temperature, between 60-65°F (15-18°C), allows you to fully appreciate its elegant flavors and bold structure. Here are some tips for getting the serving temperature right:
– When ready to serve, remove Cabernet Sauvignon from the cellar/wine fridge and allow it to warm up to room temp, about an hour.
– Opening the bottle and pouring a splash into each glass helps release aromas. Let those glasses sit for 5-10 minutes.
– Use a wine thermometer to check temperature, or submerge bottle in ice bucket for 5-10 minutes. Beware of over-chilling.
– Target 60-65°F for service. Warmer than 65°F and the alcohol can feel harsh and dominant. Cooler than 60°F can mute the aromas.
– For a quick chill, place the bottle in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving. Check often to avoid freezing the wine.
– Consider decanting Cabernet Sauvignon about an hour before drinking to allow it to aerate and soften up.
– If wine is too warm, add an ice cube to each glass to gradually bring down the temperature.
How Long Does Cabernet Sauvignon Last After Opening?
An opened bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon will remain at peak quality for up to 3-5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. After the bottle has been opened and aired, the wine is exposed to oxygen which causes it to oxidize and eventually degrade in quality over time. Drinking the wine soon after opening ensures you can enjoy it as the winemaker intended.
Follow these guidelines for maximizing the shelf life of opened Cabernet Sauvignon:
– Immediately recork or reseal the bottle, and refrigerate after pouring glasses. Cold temperatures dramatically slow oxidation.
– Consider using a wine pump/sealer to remove excess air before recorking. This minimizes oxygen exposure.
– Drink within 3 days for the best quality. The vibrant fruit flavors will start to fade.
– Finish the bottle within 5 days maximum. Beyond this, oxidation results in dull fruit, faded aromas, and acidic, vinegar-like flavors.
– When in doubt, remember the rule: “When air gets in, freshness gets out”. Drink up opened red wine quickly.
– Don’t save less than half a bottle. The increased oxidation will rapidly degrade the wine’s taste. Enjoy the rest on the first night.
Tasting Notes and Food Pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is loved for its bold, concentrated flavors and full body. Here are some classic tasting notes and fantastic food pairings:
Tasting Notes
– Color: Deep ruby red at youth to garnet red with age. Thick texture.
– Aroma: Blackcurrant, cedar, green bell pepper, tobacco leaf, dark cherry, eucalyptus, vanilla oak.
– Flavor: Firm, gripping tannins when young become smooth with age. Notes of black cherry, cassis, plum, violets, mocha, leather, spice. Long, elegant finish.
– Acidity: Medium-high acidity balances the rich texture. Should have a refreshing quality.
– Body: Full-bodied and intensely concentrated flavor. The tannins lend a strong structure.
Food Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold profile pairs well with flavorful, fatty meats that can stand up to the tannins:
– Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or game meats
– Steaks, burgers, meatloaf
– Braised short ribs or pot roast
– Aged, hard cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar or Gouda
– Rich pasta dishes with red sauce
– Savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
Lighter meats like pork, chicken, or salmon can also work well. Avoid overwhelming the wine with very spicy or citrusy dishes. The wine’s own herbal flavors and blackcurrant notes are perfect complements.
How Does Cabernet Sauvignon Differ From Other Red Wines Like Merlot?
Cabernet Sauvignon stands apart from other popular red wines for its full body, bold tannins, and signature blackcurrant flavor. Some key differences:
Vs. Merlot:
- Cabernet has higher tannins and acidity than the soft, fruity Merlot.
- Merlot has plummy, chocolatey notes vs. Cabernet’s blackcurrant.
- Merlot has a smooth, velvety texture. Cabernet is grippy and firm.
- Merlot blends perfectly with Cabernet to balance it out.
Vs. Pinot Noir:
- Pinot Noir is light to medium-bodied while Cabernet is full-bodied.
- Pinot has delicate cherry-berry notes. Cabernet is robust blackcurrant.
- Pinot’s tannins are silky rather than gripping.
- Pinot pairs better with salmon, poultry vs. Cabernet with steak.
Vs. Syrah:
- Both are full-bodied, but Syrah has slightly lower acidity.
- Syrah shows more baked, jammy fruit flavors rather than fresh blackcurrant.
- Syrah can have smoky, peppery, or meaty notes.
- New World Syrah is softer. Old World is tannic like Cabernet.
Vs. Malbec:
- Malbec is medium to full-bodied, a touch lighter than Cabernet.
- Malbec has a very deep purple color vs. Cabernet’s ruby red.
- Malbec exhibits ripe plum and dark cherry notes rather than blackcurrant.
- Malbec has softer tannins with a velvety texture.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon Grown?
Cabernet Sauvignon is cultivated in wine regions across the globe. But it reaches its peak expression growing in warm, moderately dry climates with gravelly soils. Famous regions include:
Bordeaux, France – The original home of Cabernet. Known for complex, structured, long-lived Cabernets blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Famous regions are Left Bank (Medoc, Pauillac, Margaux) and Right Bank (St. Emilion, Pomerol).
Napa Valley, California – Napa Cabernets are ripe, fruit-forward with aging potential. Known for big, bold styles from regions like Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District.
Tuscany, Italy – The Sangiovese grape is king here, but regions like Bolgheri produce “Super Tuscan” Cabernet blends.
Coonawarra, Australia – Elegant cool-climate Cabernets with notes of mint and eucalyptus. Also Margaret River, Barossa Valley.
Maipo Valley, Chile – Chile has gained fame for affordable, crowd-pleasing Cabernets with reliable quality.
In addition to these, regions like Washington State, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, and Austria also produce excellent Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Popular Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Bottle Sizes
Cabernet Sauvignon is available in a variety of bottle sizes. Here are some of the most common you’ll see:
Standard 750ml – The typical full-size bottle. Perfect for enjoying 2-3 glasses of wine.
Half bottle 375ml – Half the volume of a 750ml bottle, great for single servings with dinner.
Magnum 1.5L – Double the size of a normal bottle, equivalent to two 750ml bottles. Ideal for parties or cellaring Cabernets for longer aging.
Double Magnum 3L – Four regular bottles worth of wine. A show-stopping option for special occasions.
Jeroboam 4.5L – Approximately 6 glasses per bottle, sure to impress guests. Reserved for the most prestigious wines.
Methuselah 6L – Holds 8 bottles worth of wine! A rarity used for celebration and display.
Beyond Methuselah, there are even larger format bottles like Salmanazar, Balthazar, and Nebuchadnezzar ranging up to 15-18 liters. But for most wine drinking, 750ml or magnums are the standard Cabernet bottle sizes.
How Long Can You Store Cabernet Sauvignon?
With proper storage conditions, Cabernet Sauvignon can evolve beautifully over many years in the bottle. On average, Cabernet has a peak drinking window of:
– 1-2 years for very approachable, fruit-forward styles meant for near term drinking.
– 5-8 years for high quality wines that benefit from some time in the bottle to soften tannins.
– 10-15+ years for the most serious, concentrated Cabernets from excellent vintages and vineyards. Top Bordeaux’s can age for several decades.
Key factors influencing Cabernet’s longevity in the cellar include:
- Grape origins – Cabernet from cooler regions tend to have more aging capacity.
- Vintage – The quality and characteristics of the given year affect aging ability.
- Storage conditions – Consistent temperature and humidity optimizes maturation.
- Alcohol level – High alcohol helps preserve the wine over time.
- Acidity – Cabernet needs medium to high acidity to retain freshness.
- Tannins – Firm tannic structure allows longer aging.
- Oak treatment – Subtle oak helps integrate tannins and promotes complexity.
With young bottles, aging potential is difficult to judge. Your best bet is tasting regularly after 3-5 years to evaluate maturity.
How to Tell if Cabernet Sauvignon Has Gone Bad
Cabernet Sauvignon that is past its prime can reveal itself through changes in color, aroma, and flavor. Here’s what to look out for if you fear your bottle may have gone bad:
Color:
- Deepening from ruby red to brownish color
- Dullness or lack of clarity
- Watery, thinning edges
Aroma:
- Faded blackcurrant and fruit notes
- Off aromas of nail polish, vinegar, Sherry, oxidation
- Foul odors like rotten eggs or garbage
Flavor:
- Imbalanced, weakened fruit
- Sharp, unpleasant acidity
- Astringent, bitter, overly tannic taste
- Presence of mold or cork taint
An experienced taster can identify a spoiled Cabernet Sauvignon before it reaches the glass. But don’t hesitate to pour a small sample first if you have any doubts about the wine’s condition. A spoiled Cabernet should be drained out rather than consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cabernet Sauvignon improve with age?
Top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon has the structure and longevity to improve significantly with age. Over time in the bottle, firm tannins soften, aromas become more complex, and youthful grape flavors integrate into a harmonious balance. Patience is rewarded.
Should Cabernet Sauvignon be decanted?
Decanting Cabernet Sauvignon for 1-2 hours before drinking can really boost its aromas and help soften tannins. Exposure to air via decanting allows the wine to “open up”. Young, tannic Cabernets benefit the most.
What are the best vintages for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Some legendary vintages for Cabernet include:
- Bordeaux – 2005, 2000, 1996
- Napa Valley – 2013, 2010, 2007
- Tuscany – 2010, 2006, 2004
Does Cabernet Sauvignon have sulfites?
Yes, sulfites are added during the winemaking process to help preserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Sulfites prevent oxidation and inhibit bacterial growth. People with sulfite allergies should avoid drinking dry red wines including Cabernet, which have higher amounts than white wines.
What are good alternatives to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Some equally bold, dry red varietals to consider include:
- Malbec
- Zinfandel
- Petite Sirah
- Rhone blends
- Amarone
- Shiraz
For a lighter style red, try Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, or Gamay. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are natural blends with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon is the undisputed king of red wines, and with proper storage it can be cellared to evolve gracefully over many years. Though it doesn’t technically require refrigeration, once opened Cabernet is best kept refrigerated and consumed shortly after to preserve its bold flavors. Savor this regal red at its finest by serving chilled between 60-65°F alongside a perfectly charred steak for a divine match.
