The world’s superlative winemaking grape, Cabernet Sauvignon is capable of producing the most complex, well-balanced, and lasting red wines you’ll ever come across. As one of the most tannic grapes used in winemaking, Cabernet Sauvignon has long been misunderstood as a wine that required ageing in order for it to develop and soften. But after decades of research, growers have learned to identify when the grapes are ready to be harvested based on the tannic ripeness, rather than sugar content alone. Although these wines are ideal candidates for ageing—and will develop beautifully when laid down—it is well within reach for winemakers to produce excellent, structured Cabernet Sauvignons that are well-enjoyed while they’re still young. Descended from Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, this relatively young grape is believed to have sprouted up from a chance crossing in the 17th century. Regardless, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely planted wine grape in the world.

This is the grape that put Chilean winemaking on the map. Cabernet Sauvignon vines were first brought over from France in the 1800s and it didn’t take long for growers to recognize that the terroir was perfect for this and many other Bordeaux region grape varieties. Although it was slow going at first, today Chile’s Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most celebrated regional expressions in the world. Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon is known for having softer tannins, fuller body, with some spicier notes on the palate.

Our Chile Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with dark berry fruit including blackberry and black raspberry and is accentuated with notes of cedar. This medium to full-bodied red packs a moderate oak character, with an alcohol level of 12.5% by volume. This Cabernet wine kit includes medium toast oak chips. Medium toast oak is the most popular toast level used in red wines as it imparts a complex balance of vanillin and spice along with a subtle oakiness typical of many Cabernets. The oak chips also help build body and mouthfeel.

The VineCo Original Cabernet Sauvignon is a must for any red wine lover. Add a few bottles to your cellar and revisit over the months and years to see just how much the wine can develop. If you want something to pair well with a char-grilled steak, look no further than this bold, assertive varietal.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

• Blackberry, black raspberry and cedar
• Sweetness: Dry
• Oak: Medium
• Body: Medium-Full
• ABV: 12.5%
• Kit Volume: 8 L
• Approximate Yield: 23 L
• Ready to bottle in 4 weeks
• Bottle Labels sold separately