Cabernets that won't break the bank
Sometimes you just want to relax with a nice glass of wine without spending a fortune
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most grown and appreciated grapes out there. It is a french grape and is a crossing between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is famously used as the primary grape in the blended wines on the left bank in Bordeuax and is often paired there with other grapes such as Merlot (Merlot being the primary grape on the right bank in Bordeaux). It is also commonly grown in Sonoma and Napa Valley in California and in Chile and also in Australia where it is often blended with Shiraz (also known as Syrah).
Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with red meat and is also good as a base in reduction sauces. It usually also ages well.
The wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be tannic and rich in flavour so maybe not the first type of wine to try if you are new to red wine. Maybe go for a glass of Pinot Noir instead or perhaps a Beaujolais Nouveau (for more newbie tips click here).
Althought some Cabernet Sauvignon wines can create a big hole in your wallet it is not always the case.
Below are some great value wines that won't set you back too much when you want to enjoy a glass of red wine.
Five Cabernet Sauvignon wines on a budget
- Viña Maipo (Chile), As the name gives away this wine is grown in the Maipo Valley in the Valle Central region of Chile. It is the biggest wine region in Chile and is quite big with a diverse type of wines.
- Casillero del Diablo (Chile), Also from the Valle Central region of Chile. The company was founded in the 1880s and imported vines from Bordeaux.
- Lindemans Bin 45 (Australia), Well the company was started by a doctor so the wines must be good for you. Right? Part of their much enjoyed bin series of wine.
- Cameleon Signature (Argentina), The company was founded in 1997 and the family hails from Carcassonne in the south of France where they have been making wine for four generations.
- Gato Negro (Chile), Another Valle Central wine that is well worth a try.
Five Cabernet Sauvignon blends on a budget
- Hope (South Africa) Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot och Shiraz.
- Maze (Australia) Blend of Shiraz och Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Lindemans (Australia) Blend of Shiraz och Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Château de Seguin (Bordeaux, France) Blend of Merlot och Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Cono Sur (Chile) Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère och Syrah.