cabernet sauvignon
C1Formal, Technical, Everyday (in wine-related contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A widely planted black grape variety, originally from Bordeaux, France, known for producing full-bodied, tannic red wines.
The red wine made primarily or exclusively from this grape variety. It is one of the world's most recognized wine types, often associated with flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and green bell pepper when underripe.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Proper noun. Always capitalized. Refers both to the grape variety and the wine made from it. The term is rarely used metaphorically and retains its specific oenological reference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences. Pronunciations differ slightly.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: quality, sophistication, and full-bodied flavor. Possibly more strongly associated with Californian wine in American contexts and with Bordeaux or Australian in British contexts.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties, common in wine, food, and lifestyle contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
We drank [a bottle of] Cabernet Sauvignon.This wine is [a] Cabernet Sauvignon.The blend is [predominantly] Cabernet Sauvignon.They grow Cabernet Sauvignon [in their vineyard].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in hospitality, viticulture, and retail: 'Our Q3 profits were driven by premium Cabernet Sauvignon sales.'
Academic
Used in oenology and agriculture studies: 'The study analysed the phenolic compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon from three different terroirs.'
Everyday
Used in social and dining settings: 'Shall we open a Cabernet Sauvignon with the steak?'
Technical
Used in winemaking and viticulture: 'The Cabernet Sauvignon must underwent malolactic fermentation in new French oak.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend
- The Cabernet Sauvignon character was evident.
American English
- A Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine
- It had a classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is good.
- This is a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- We ordered a Cabernet Sauvignon to go with our meal.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular grape for making red wine.
- The sommelier recommended a mature Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux to complement the roast beef.
- Although known for its boldness, a well-made Cabernet Sauvignon can also display elegance.
- The winery's flagship wine is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that undergoes extended maceration.
- Critics praised the wine's balance, noting the typical Cabernet Sauvignon cassis notes were integrated with subtle oak-derived vanillin.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CABernet is the CAB of red wines – a classic, reliable, and strong base. SAUvignon sounds like 'savvy' – a savvy choice for red wine drinkers.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically framed as a 'KING' or 'PILLAR' of red wine varieties due to its dominance and structure.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the name. It is a proper noun (каберне совиньон).
- Avoid confusing 'Sauvignon' with 'Sauvignon Blanc', which is a white grape.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: 'Cabarnet Savignon', 'Cabernet Savignon'.
- Incorrect capitalisation: writing 'cabernet sauvignon' in lower case.
- Pronouncing 'sauvignon' with a hard 'g' (as in 'sign') instead of a soft French 'ny' sound.
Practice
Quiz
Cabernet Sauvignon is best described as:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is often blended with other grapes like Merlot or Cabernet Franc, especially in Bordeaux, to soften its tannins. Many New World wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
In English, it is commonly pronounced /ˈsəʊvɪnjɒ̃/ (UK) or /ˌsoʊviːnˈjoʊn/ (US), approximating the French origin with a nasalised ending on the last syllable.
Typical flavours include blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, plum, and sometimes notes of cedar, tobacco, or green bell pepper (from pyrazines). It is typically high in tannin and acidity.
Cabernet Sauvignon generally has higher tannins and acidity, with darker fruit and sometimes herbal notes. Merlot is typically softer, fruitier, and less tannic, making it more approachable when young.
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