Life After Cabernet Sauvignon

“The BIG Picture!”

With almost everybody loving Cabernet Sauvignon, it is now the most widely planted grape in the world! However, Cabernet Sauvignon leans towards the expensive side when seeking a great bottle! 

So we will explore fantastic wines though not as well-known, offering great alternatives to Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wines

1. Nero D’Avola, Sicily

2. Merlot

3. Touriga Nacional, Portugal

4. Lagrein, Italy

5. Monastrell, Spain

The Grapes!

Nero D’Avola, Sicily

Nero D’Avola varies widely with the best examples worth seeking out! Black fruits and grippy tannins add power to a reasonable price. Try to avoid blends as they will tend to be less in intensity!

Merlot

Merlot can be full-bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon, and one must be selective! Good giveaways are 13.5 to 14.5 alcohol. Hillside Estates, think places like Howell Mountain, etc. Washington makes amazing Merlot that rivals their Cabernet. And if you like rugged, Chile and Argentina will do in a pinch! 

Touriga Nacional, Portugal

This grape should be in a segment, “Life after port!” Portuguese red wines are on the rise, and ones made with Touriga Nacional are some of the best. Please note, most already consider this grape the best for port production. Port was initially just a red wine made to travel. So now we are getting back to its roots!

Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Some of the best Portuguese dry reds include Touriga Nacional mixed with several of the other local varieties. By producing blends, the flavor profiles are extended and taste more complex. Check out a dry red wine from the Douro Valley. Touriga Francesa is often blended into the wine to soften and round out the flavor.

Lagrein, Italy

From a town in Northern Italy, in Alto Adige. This 16th Century grape offers peppery notes and sometimes bracing acidity. This wine blind can easily be confused with Cabernet Sauvignon. Lagrein tends to be slightly lighter in color and density than Cabernet Sauvignon.

Monastrell, Spain

Meaty and aromatic Monastrell (in France, Mourvedre) is traditionally sold young. Hot growing regions create smooth, plush, and luxurious wines. Most say it got its start in Spain, but France also offers wine from the Bandol region that tends towards the rugged side!