Best Cabernet Sauvignon

The Romans addressed him as Bacchus, while the Greeks called him Dionysus. Irrespective of how you refer to him, he was the God of Wine. You may wonder why I started with a mention of Bacchus. Apart from the apparent reason (i.e. He was the God of Wine), the wise words of Cardinal Richelieu further justify man's love for wine. In his words... "If God forbade drinking, would He have made wine so good?" So feel no guilt I say, and enjoy every sip of some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon available.

Types of Wine

We're all aware that even if people aren't familiar with all the wines available to them, the two types of wine that they are definitely accustomed with are red wine and White wine. Some of the other types that are normally available are Sparkling wine, Rose wine, and Dessert wine. While red wines acquire their deep color from the black grapes used to produce them, white wines are light in color and have little to no red tinge in them, as they are essentially made from white grapes. Thus comes the difference between your Sauvignon Blanc which is rather obviously a white wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon, occasionally known as Sauvignon Rouge, one of the best red wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon Characteristics

It is essential to understand that most wines have certain characteristics which is what helps us distinguish one wine from another. No two wines will ever have identical flavors. Even your best Cabernet Sauvignon wine is no exception to this rule. Here are a few characteristic features of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The best Cabernet Sauvignon is usually a full bodied, dry red wine, which ideally tastes like black currant, blackberry, possibly black olive and moves towards flavors like spice, coffee or even chocolate. Its scent is most often rather oak-like and finds its best pairing when had with red meat.

Good Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

Here's a list of some Cabernet Sauvignons and Blends that cost $100 or more...

• Shafer 2000 Napa Valley Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon
• Ridge 2000 California Monte Bello
• Quintessa 2000 Rutherford Red
• Hartwell 2000 Napa Valley, Stags Leap District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
• Quilceda Creek 2000 Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon

As unbelievable as it may sound, red wine isn't necessarily always expensive, unless of course you are looking for something that is in fact a top of the line wine. You'd be surprised to see that you can actually get some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $30. Better still, you can even find the best Cabernet Sauvignon under $20. Take a look at some of the available options...

Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $20

• Tilia Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
• Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• Bonterra Organically Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
• Lake Sonoma Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
• Whitehall Lane Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Best Cabernet Sauvignon Under $30

• Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
• Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
• Columbia Crest Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
• Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
• Hanna Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Apart from all that's been said about Cabernet Sauvignon until now, there's a lot more that red wine is good for. The health benefits of red wine are innumerable. Apart from being good for the heart, it is also known to help with regards to cholesterol. Studies have found that if consumed in moderation, red wine can help raise the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) as well as reduce blood clots and help against artery damage. In fact, a study carried out by Mount Sinai School of Medicine reveals that the consumption of Cabernet Sauvignon in particular could help lessen the risk of being affected by Alzheimer's Disease too. Pretty cool, huh? Make sure though that you don't overdo it with your wine intake, because everything contains calories, and red wine calories could make a difference too.

I guess the benefits of wine are evident from all that's been said so far, but as the medieval German saying goes... "Drink wine, and you will sleep well. Sleep, and you will not sin. Avoid sin, and you will be saved. Ergo, drink wine and be saved." All said and done, America, in the mid '60s, saw the best Cabernet Sauvignon come forth as one of the most popular wines, making it a star in the years to follow.