Find Your Wine Style.
Whether you want to make a single grape varietal wine or a blend, RJS Craft Winemaking kits are made with the finest juices and concentrates to make your favourite wine styles. Use our wine selector to learn more about wines you love and possibly discover new wines that might be your next favourite.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Grape
Originally from the Bordeaux wine region in France, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely grown grapes for red wine in the world. It is also one of the youngest grape varieties since it only came into existence in the 1600s from a natural crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Wine makers grow Cabernet Sauvignon almost everywhere in the world because the variety is very hardy: the grape skins are thick and strong while the vines resist disease and rot.
The Wines
A classic Cabernet Sauvignon is typically full-bodied with firm tannins and noticeable acidity. Cooler climates produce Cabernets with blackcurrant flavours accompanied by green bell pepper notes, mint and cedar. More moderate climate Cabernets feature black cherry and black olive notes, while ripe fruit is prevalent in hot climates. Cabernet is often referred to as “jammy” and is known for its ability to age well. Aging can significantly improve its taste because its harsh tannins will soften and the subtle flavours will develop and intensify.
The Occasions
A well-made Cabernet Sauvignon is always worth celebrating; serve it proudly with a premium quality steak. A thick cut Filet Mignon, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, will bring out a Cabernet’s best fruit flavours. If you are looking for a reason to celebrate with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, International Cabernet Day is held on the Thursday before Labour Day at the end of August each year.
Different types of winemaking practices can affect the outcome of your wine. The chart below is a guideline for how we describe the profiles of our finished wines. Refer to tasting notes for each wine’s profile.
| OAK | BODY | SWEETNESS |
|---|---|---|
|
U - UNOAKED L - LIGHT M - MEDIUM H - HEAVY |
L - LIGHT M - MEDIUM F - FULL |
D - DRY O - OFF-DRY S - SWEET |
| Weeks | 8 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah Zinfandel |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Winemaker’s Trio Red
A modern, new world style wine featuring a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel. Aromas of vanilla, red berries and black cherries and sweet flavours of ripe raspberry, chocolate and cherry.
Food Pairings
Pairs great with BBQ beef, potato salad, coleslaw and french fries.
| Weeks | 6 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Australia Style Cabernet Sauvignon
Soft yet fruity, this Australian style Cabernet shows more complex varietal fruit flavours, including cherry and blackberry than its Old World counterpart.
Food Pairings
Great with roasted duck or beef and veggie stirfry.
| Weeks | 6 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah Zinfandel |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Heavy |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Cabernet Syrah Zinfandel
This is a classic big, bold California red blend. It exudes pronounced flavours of black cherries and berries layered with toasted oak, vanilla, and rich notes of dark chocolate and coffee.
Food Pairings
Try with honey and spice glazed chicken or beef chili and beans.
| Weeks | 6 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec Carménère |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Chile Style Cabernet Malbec Carménère
Strong notes of green pepper, dark fruit, and leather define this rich dark wine. Smooth tannins grace the palate followed by blackberries and spice.
Food Pairings
Perfect with Chilean dishes such as corn and meat pie or grilled beef tenderloin with cilantro sauce.
| Weeks | 5 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Australia Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a nose of blackcurrants, dark chocolate and subtle toasty notes with hints of coffee and vanilla notes on the palate.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with meatloaf and mashed potatoes or prime rib au jus.
| Weeks | 5 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Chile Cabernet Merlot Style
A robust bouquet of warm dark fruit and tobacco leads to elevated aromas of ripe black currants and cherries. Layers of coffee and dark plum notes unfold to reveal a traditional Chilean dry wine with supple tannins.
Food Pairings
Pairs well with Italian sausage and pasta or Spanish jambalaya.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A hint of violet is present in the bouquet, typical of this variety. It’s superbly enhanced with the addition of oak, and while it can be drunk young, it also ages well.
Food Pairings
Great with roasted vegetable pizza, or roasted chicken and mushroom sauce.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Valpola |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Rosso Superiore
Deep in colour, high in tannin, robust and intense on the palate with earthy notes of mushroom and black fruit. Pair it with your favourite grilled meats.
Food Pairings
Pair with a prime rib roast or creamy mushroom lasagna.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Heavy |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A balanced classic Cabernet Sauvignon style wine with berry, toast and vanilla aromas and berry flavour with well-integrated oak.
Food Pairings
Try it with meatballs or lamb chops.
| Weeks | 5 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon California Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A hint of violet is present in the bouquet, typical of this variety. It’s superbly enhanced with the addition of oak, and while it can be drunk young, it also does well with age
Many of our world-renowned reds
feature our patented GenuWine
Winery Dried Grape Skins. This
process preserves ‘fresh from the
vineyard’ flavours and brings the
best of the grape to every glass.
Food Pairings
A classic served with your favourite BBQ ribs, mushroom or lamb burgers and hard cheeses.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A hint of violet is present in the bouquet, typical of this variety. It’s superbly enhanced with the addition of oak, and while it can be drunk young, it also ages well.
Food Pairings
Great with roasted vegetable pizza, or roasted chicken and mushroom sauce.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Valpola |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Rosso Superiore
Deep in colour, high in tannin, robust and intense on the palate with earthy notes of mushroom and black fruit. Pair it with your favourite grilled meats.
Food Pairings
Pair with a prime rib roast or creamy mushroom lasagna.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Valpola |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Rosso Superiore
Deep in colour, high in tannin, robust and intense on the palate with earthy notes of mushroom and black fruit. Pair it with your favourite grilled meats.
Food Pairings
Pair with a prime rib roast or creamy mushroom lasagna.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Cabernet Sauvignon Style
A hint of violet is present in the bouquet, typical of this variety. It’s superbly enhanced with the addition of oak, and while it can be drunk young, it also ages well.
Food Pairings
Great with roasted vegetable pizza, or roasted chicken and mushroom sauce.
| Weeks | 4 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon
Valpola |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Oak | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Labels Included | No |
cabernet-sauvignon Rosso Superiore
Deep in colour, high in tannin, robust and intense on the palate with earthy notes of mushroom and black fruit. Pair it with your favourite grilled meats.
Food Pairings
Pair with a prime rib roast or creamy mushroom lasagna.