Cabernet Sauvignon is big, bold, and considered the King of Wines. Also referred to as “Cab,” and “Cab Sauv,” this full bodied red wine is best served with some substantial dishes. Try this easy and fun guide to create a Cabernet Sauvignon pairing that will make your toes curl!
The number one guiding principle in selecting a Cabernet Sauvignon pairing is to match the weight of the wine with the weight of the food. Remember Cabernet Sauvignon is a big full-bodied red wine, so have some substantial food on the menu. Think of it as a winter wine. In other words, drinking a big Cab is like wrapping yourself in a blanket while binge watching Netflix. Eating the right dish with a glass of Cab Sauv is like throwing a log in the fireplace, taking the comfy and cozy to the next level.
Flavors
Consider the flavors of the wine, and create a match by incorporating or complementing those flavors in the food:
Black Cherry
Chocolate
Coffee
Baking Spices
Protein
If you are a meat eater, begin your Cabernet Sauvignon pairing with one of these proteins:
Beef
Lamb
Duck
Squab
Bridge Ingredients
A fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon pairing can also be created with ingredients that connect the wine with the food (aka “bridge ingredients”):
Basil
Bay Leaf
Garlic
Rosemary
Walnuts
Reduction Sauces
Black Olives
Balsamic Vinegar
Cooking Techniques
A Cabernet Sauvignon pairing that wows can also be created by using these cooking methods to amp up the food’s flavor.
Grilling
Roasting
Braising
Stewing
Steak and Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic. Throw some burgers on the grill. Prime rib, roast beef, and pot roast can all take leading roles here. Cabernet is a meat lover’s friend.
Vegetarians should not despair! Those bridge ingredients will be your partner in pairing. For example, garlic and basil are part of pasta marinara so sauce up some pasta.
Or, for a less traditional pasta dish toss some walnuts and black olives with linguine along with some spinach. This is a favorite in our house when entertaining friends who don’t eat meat. It works because the walnuts help cut the tannins in big red wines.
One of our favorite vegetarian pairings was inspired by a wine dinner we attended prepared by Chef Kaspar Donier in which he plated up smoked tomatoes. Genius!
What’s your favorite Cabernet Sauvingon pairing? I’d love to know. Head on over to my Instagram post and share in the comments.