cabernet sauvignon

noun

cab·​er·​net sau·​vi·​gnon ˌka-bər-ˈnā-sō-vin-ˈyän  ˌka-bər-ˈnā-sō-vē-ˈnyōⁿ 

variants often Cabernet Sauvignon

: a full-bodied red wine that is known for its complexity, capacity to age, and tannic structure, that is one of the world's most popular wines, and that is notably produced in Bordeaux, the U.S., South America, and Australia

also : the grape itself

called also cabernet

Examples of cabernet sauvignon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This expression is a fully mature Woodford Reserve Bourbon finished in cabernet sauvignon French oak barrels. —Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Mar. 2026

Popular choices are the sauvignon blanc and the Exit Forty One, a petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon blend named after the freeway exit to Suisun Valley. —Nicole Findlay, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026

Only two cabernet sauvignons from California have ever received such a score. —Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 14 Jan. 2026

The restaurant suggests pairing the dishes with a cabernet sauvignon ($17) and a Madeira ($14), respectively. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French — more at cabernet franc, sauvignon blanc

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above