Like CABERNET SAUVIGNON? Try This!

Cabernet Sauvignon is a late-ripening grape, which means it's gotta be on the vine longer than other grapes to achieve full ripeness. That translates to bigger tannins, darker fruit, and higher alcohol. Rarely do I find Cab Sauvs to be sipping wines that are easy to drink; they beg for food, and more brawny ones at that. Few things in this world are better than a juicy cheddar burger well seasoned with salt & pepper and a big glass of Cab. Below are some other grapes to try with your next meat-heavy cookout, beef stew, rack of lamb, or steak au poivre.

Shopping tip: less expensive Cabs will be a little thinner and have less oak influence than more expensive ones. Oak barrels are pricey so if you like that clove-mocha-cedar note on your wine, I hate to break it to ya but you're gonna have to spend more. Consider this: a $40 bottle from a store comes to only $8/glass at home, but if you had that same $40 wine in a restaurant, it would cost ~$30/glass! So drink well at home. You deserve it!