Cabernet Sauvignon, often simply called Cabernet or Cab, is the backbone of the great wines of Bordeaux.
This grape variety is celebrated for its ability to impart structure and longevity to some of the world's most recognizable and desirable wines.
Its success in Bordeaux has set a benchmark that new wine regions strive to emulate, using Cabernet as a marker of their credentials as a "proper" wine region. As viticulture spread worldwide, Cabernet was never far behind.
The Global Reach of Cabernet
Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in nearly every wine-producing country, though not always with equal success. Unlike the demanding Pinot Noir, Cabernet requires specific conditions to reach its full potential. While it can grow in diverse climates, there are certain areas where it truly excels:
- Napa Valley, USA: The quintessential region for Cabernet outside Bordeaux, known for its powerful, opulent wines.
- Coonawarra, Australia: Famous for its distinctive "terra rossa" soil, producing structured and elegant Cabernet.
- Maipo Valley, Chile: Renowned for its vibrant and well-balanced Cabernet wines.
- Mendoza, Argentina: Known for its high-altitude vineyards that produce rich and concentrated Cabernet.
- Waiheke Island, New Zealand: A smaller but notable region producing high-quality Cabernet.
Cabernet's Market Dominance
Cabernet Sauvignon has become the most popular red wine variety on the market. Its popularity is reflected in the prices, which often outstrip those of other varieties, and in its dominance in wine searches and databases. This popularity means Cabernet often carries a premium price. However, this doesn't mean that great value Cabernet wines aren't available; you just have to look beyond the most famous regions.
Finding Value in Cabernet
To identify the best-value Cabernet Sauvignons, a specific calculation was used. By dividing the aggregated critic scores (ranging impressively from the early to mid-90s) by the price, wines are ranked by their "value factor." The higher the value factor, the better the value. Here are the top 10 best-value Cabernet Sauvignons according to Wine-Searcher:
Regional Insights and Surprises
Contrary to expectations, the top 10 list is not dominated by the New World. Italy and Spain each have entries, showcasing the global appeal and versatility of Cabernet. The list includes two wines each from Australia, South Africa, and Chile, with one each from Argentina and Spain.
A noteworthy point in the selection criteria is availability. To qualify for the top 10, a wine must be available in at least one major market. This criterion excludes some exceptional wines due to their rarity. For instance, the 2022 Jeff Carrel Villa des Anges Cabernet IGP d'Oc from France, with a global average retail price (GARP) of just $5 and an aggregated critic score of 94, would top the list with a value factor of 18.8 if it were more widely available.
Quality Over Quantity
Despite the absence of Bordeaux or Napa in the top 10, the quality remains high. The lowest aggregated critic score is 92 (for the Carpineto), while the highest score is 96 (for the Alturis). The prices, ranging from USD 9 for the Alturis to USD 46 for the Rustenberg, average at USD 28.40—remarkably affordable for such high-quality wines.
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon's global success and versatility make it the king of red wine. Its ability to adapt and thrive in diverse regions has not only cemented its status but also ensured it remains accessible and desirable. While Cabernet carries a premium, savvy consumers can find exceptional value by looking beyond the usual suspects. This grape variety continues to reign supreme without losing touch with its roots, offering outstanding quality at various price points.
Source: Wine-Searcher