The Best Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing Ideas

When you’re figuring out food and wine pairing ideas for Cabernet Sauvignon wine, a good rule of thumb is this - the bigger (or more full-bodied) the wine, the heartier the dish should be!

But, try not to pair this red wine with light dishes like fish as it may be too underwhelming for the wine.

Let’s explore the different Cabernet Sauvignon food pairings and some cool tips to remember.

The Best Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing Ideas

The exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon wine has a medium to full-bodied structure, fine tannins, great intensity, and berry fruit flavors. 

It comes either as a single varietal or a blend with other grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, and pairs well with a variety of delicious foods. 

1. Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Meat Dishes

This wine goes with a variety of meat:

• Steak: A juicy steak will pair beautifully with this red wine. Why? A steak meal has a high level of fatty proteins that goes great with Cabernet Sauvignon’s strong tannins and acidity. So, the richer the piece of steak, the better. Grilled steak works well, too.

• Beef: Other beef dishes also go great with Cabernet Sauvignon. Explore dishes like barbecue sauce beef ribs, rib eye, prime rib, roast beef, beef stir-fry, beef jerky, smoked meats, filet mignon, and slow-braised beef cooked in red wine.

• Lamb: Lamb has terrific flavor and is an ideal food pairing for your Cab if you’re not big on steak dishes. Try roasted or grilled lamb in the form of a lamb steak with rosemary or a butterflied leg. Also, try lamb chops, Asian barbecue lamb ribs and herbed lamb kebabs with your Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Duck: Duck has strong flavors (and fat) that complement Cabernet Sauvignon’s black fruit flavors and tannins. Try a roasted duck dish.

• Burgers: A Cabernet Sauvignon wine pairing with a gourmet burger may not be your first thought, but give this a taste with your next meal. 

2. Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with a Cheese Plate

Cheese goes well with just about any wine. 

But, when it comes to red wine like Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, opt for the hard cheese. 

Even if it’s on a burger or a pasta, you can’t go wrong with a hard variety like aged cheddar and aged gouda. 

Other cheeses to try are:

• Herbed cheese: You can try a rosemary-crusted sheep's milk cheese or goat cheese to compliment the wine’s herbaceous notes.

• Truffle brie: Enhance the herb flavor in the red wine with this cheese.

• Blue cheese: A gorgonzola pairs nicely with a burger or a steak.

• Creamy cheese: A slightly creamy cheese will go well with a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon.

You can even combine these cheeses on a platter with some fruit, dipping sauce, crunchy veggies (like bell pepper) for oodles of flavour.

3. Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Vegetarian Dishes

If you don’t eat meat, some plant-based alternatives will complement your Cabernet Sauvignon wine just as well:

• Portobello mushrooms (baked, stuffed, or grilled): Top the mushrooms with butter, garlic, or cheese

• Roasted vegetables: Roasting will add intense flavor and depth to your dish

• Smoky black bean burger: Black bean gives that same meaty texture as the real deal.

• Smoked tofu: Pair this with your favorite lentils

4. Pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Appetizers

Your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon wine can taste divine with finger food too. 

Check out these suggestions for your next snack:

• Bacon-wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates
• Savory mushroom tart
• Cheese curls
• Cheese puffs
• Pretzels
• Dark chocolate

Experiment with Your Next Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing

Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with heavier, fattier, and more complex dishes, so try different combinations to see what works best for you. 

Just remember to make sure the wine doesn’t overwhelm the dish! 

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