Cabernet Sauvignon Quiz
Two rounds, instant scoring, no sign-up. From Bordeaux structure to Napa power — see how well you know one of the world's most famous red wine grapes, then keep a tasting journal to remember what you learn.
What this quiz covers
12 questions across two rounds — 6 beginner and 6 advanced. Here's what you'll be asked:
- Is Cabernet Sauvignon usually dry or sweet?
- What kind of wine is Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Where did Cabernet Sauvignon originally come from?
- Which flavor is most classic for Cabernet Sauvignon?
- Cabernet Sauvignon is known for being high in what?
- Which food is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon pairing?
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross between which two grapes?
- On Bordeaux's 'Left Bank,' Cabernet Sauvignon is usually blended with which grapes?
- What does 'cassis' mean in Cabernet tasting notes?
- Why does good Cabernet Sauvignon age so well?
- Coonawarra, a famous Cabernet region in Australia, is known for which distinctive soil?
- Which flavors most often come from aging Cabernet in oak barrels?
Study notes — answers & key facts (open to reveal)
- Is Cabernet Sauvignon usually dry or sweet? Dry. Cabernet Sauvignon is almost always made as a dry red. Its bold dark-fruit flavor can seem 'sweet,' but there is little or no residual sugar.
- What kind of wine is Cabernet Sauvignon? A full-bodied red. Cabernet is a thick-skinned black grape that makes deeply colored, full-bodied red wine.
- Where did Cabernet Sauvignon originally come from? Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Sauvignon originated in Bordeaux, France. It is now the most widely traveled red grape in the world.
- Which flavor is most classic for Cabernet Sauvignon? Blackcurrant and dark fruit. Blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, cedar and a subtle herbal note are the classic Cabernet markers.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is known for being high in what? Tannin. Cabernet's firm tannins give it structure and let it age — they're what makes your mouth feel dry and grippy after a sip.
- Which food is a classic Cabernet Sauvignon pairing? Steak and red meat. Cabernet's tannins and full body cut through the fat and protein of steak and other red meats.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross between which two grapes? Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. DNA analysis revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross of the red Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon Blanc.
- On Bordeaux's 'Left Bank,' Cabernet Sauvignon is usually blended with which grapes? Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Left Bank Bordeaux is Cabernet-dominant, typically blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to add flesh and aromatics.
- What does 'cassis' mean in Cabernet tasting notes? Blackcurrant. Cassis is the French word for blackcurrant — the signature dark-fruit note of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Why does good Cabernet Sauvignon age so well? Its tannin and acidity act as natural preservatives. Firm tannins and bright acidity preserve the wine, letting a good Cabernet soften and develop for a decade or more.
- Coonawarra, a famous Cabernet region in Australia, is known for which distinctive soil? Terra rossa (red soil over limestone). Coonawarra's strip of red terra rossa over limestone is prized for structured, minty Cabernet.
- Which flavors most often come from aging Cabernet in oak barrels? Vanilla, cedar and toast. Oak aging adds vanilla, cedar, toast and baking-spice notes that frame Cabernet's dark fruit.
Remember the wines you love
Save wines you like in SipCircle — your private wine journal.
Download SipCircle Wine