King of the grapes: cabernet sauvignon

Packed with blackcurrant and damson flavours, say hello to the 'king of grapes'. Jules Bensacq, head sommelier at London’s 28º-50º wine bar in Marylebone, chooses four of his favourite cabernet sauvignons

The Grape

One of the most famous grapes on the planet, so naturally it grew to prominence from Bordeaux, but you'll find it grown everywhere from Europe to Lebanon to Australasia. It’s also one of the oldest, with texts referring to it as one of the first planted in Bordeaux, as far back as 1736.

The Taste

Blackcurrants, damson, even the occasional plum married with mint, and red fruit on the nose. You might also find eucalyptus (especially with Australian bottles) and green peppers, too. Often very subtle, but cedarwood, mocha, cigar box, smoke and black pepper can also be found.

The Pairings

Depending on the origin and age, fruitier New World styles – which have a herbal edge – go well with beefy stews made with rosemary or thyme (both working well with blackcurrant). For more complex, older wines, tender lamb with lots of garlic is a good match. It’s also great with cheese (manchego and goat’s) or with a simple rare steak.

The Vines

Its home may be Bordeaux, but the Napa Valley in California has become renowned for its world-class cabernet, and you'll also find award-winning bottles from Coonawarra, South Australia and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand. Italy and South Africa are known for it, and Chile grows an awful lot of cabernet with some excellent results.