Sensium

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red wine grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon — red wine grape variety with signature aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar. Structural profile: Full body, Medium(+) acidity, High tannin, Medium alcohol. Sensium blind-tasting coach reference.

Structural pillars

AcidityMedium(+)
TanninHigh
BodyFull
AlcoholMedium
Color intensityDeep
Aromatic intensityMedium(+)

Recognition cues

First checks

  • Look for firm tannin and dark fruit concentration before naming the grape.
  • Confirm cassis/blackcurrant character with a structured finish.

Confidence signals

  • High tannin with cassis core
  • Deep color with cedar support

Aromas

Signature

blackcurrantcassiscedar

Common

violetbell peppermint

Occasional

graphite

Commonly confused with

Classic anchors

  • Classic regions: Bordeaux · Napa Valley · Maipo · Coonawarra
  • Classic styles: Cabernet-led Bordeaux blend · Structured oak-aged varietal red
  • Style examples: Left Bank Bordeaux · Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Common questions

Is Cabernet Sauvignon a red or white grape variety?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine grape variety. Sensium documents its structure, aromas, and confusion signals for blind tasting.
What does Cabernet Sauvignon smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Cabernet Sauvignon include blackcurrant, cassis and cedar. Structural profile: Full body, Medium(+) acidity, High tannin, Medium alcohol.
What is Cabernet Sauvignon most often confused with in blind tasting?
Cabernet Sauvignon is most commonly confused with Merlot, Syrah and Malbec. Sensium's Compare view leads with the decisive cues that resolve each call.
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon grown?
Classic regions for Cabernet Sauvignon include Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Maipo and Coonawarra.

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