Favorite Fall & Winter Red Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Carménère vs. Malbec

Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Carménère vs. Malbec: Which Wine is for You?

In the world of wine, we often find ourselves gravitating toward certain varietals that speak to our taste buds, our moods, and sometimes, even our personalities. Wine, after all, is not just a beverage—it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or unwinding after a long day, the wine you choose says a lot about you. So, let’s dive into three beloved red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, and Malbec, and find out which one suits your style best.

Spoiler alert: You might just discover a new favorite! 🍷

Cabernet Sauvignon: The Bold Classic

Brief History

Cabernet Sauvignon, often referred to as the King of Red Wines, has earned its place in the wine world due to its boldness, rich flavors, and aging potential. Born in the Bordeaux region of France, it’s a relatively young varietal, believed to have originated in the 17th century from a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Its rise to fame began in Bordeaux, and it has since spread to every corner of the wine-producing world, with Napa Valley and Australia being among the most famous regions for producing exceptional Cabs.

The Taste Experience

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine known for its high tannins, firm structure, and complex flavors. Expect notes of blackcurrant (cassis), blackberry, plum, and often hints of tobacco, cedar, vanilla, and spice—especially if the wine has been aged in oak barrels. It’s a wine that evolves over time, and many Cabs can be aged for decades, becoming even more intricate and rewarding.

The Cabernet Drinker’s Personality

If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, chances are you appreciate the finer things in life. You’re likely a person who enjoys a well-planned dinner party, takes pride in knowledge (especially of obscure facts), and prefers your experiences to have depth and structure—just like your wine. You don’t shy away from intensity and complexity, and you probably have a book collection or a Spotify playlist full of thoughtfully curated picks.

Cab lovers are the type to discuss their wine’s flavor profile at length and savor each sip with deliberation. You’re bold, confident, and love to indulge in life’s luxuries—whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak or a deep, dark chocolate truffle.

Fun Fact: In 1976, during the Judgment of Paris, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines beat their French Bordeaux counterparts in a blind tasting, putting American wines on the global map.

Perfect Pairings: Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled steak, aged cheeses, and lamb. It’s also fantastic with dishes that have bold, rich flavors, like braised short ribs or pepper-crusted beef tenderloin.

Carménère: The Hidden Gem

Brief History

Carménère has one of the most fascinating histories in the wine world. Originally from Bordeaux, this grape was thought to be lost for many years—devastated by the phylloxera plague in the mid-19th century. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Carménère was rediscovered, not in France, but in Chile, where it had been thriving under the mistaken identity of Merlot! Once DNA testing revealed its true identity, Chile embraced Carménère as its flagship grape, and today, the country is known for producing some of the best examples of this unique wine.

The Taste Experience

Carménère is known for its soft tannins and medium body, with flavors of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and plum, along with a distinctive earthy, smoky, and herbaceous quality. One of its signature characteristics is the green bell pepper note, which comes from the grape’s high levels of pyrazines (an organic compound responsible for that flavor). Carménère offers a lovely balance between fruit-forward and earthy, making it approachable yet complex.

The Carménère Drinker’s Personality

Are you the adventurous type who loves hidden gems and underdog stories? If so, Carménère is your wine! Carménère drinkers are often curious, worldly, and appreciate things that are a little off the beaten path. You might be someone who loves to travel, discover new cuisines, or find unique, underappreciated spots to hang out. You’re the kind of person who would rather explore a charming local café over a well-known chain.

Carménère drinkers are easy-going, open to new experiences, and love discovering things that others might overlook. You appreciate wine that’s flavorful yet balanced, and you probably enjoy hosting casual get-togethers where the conversation flows as freely as the wine.

Fun Fact: Chile is the world’s largest producer of Carménère, with the grape accounting for about 7% of the country’s total wine production.

Perfect Pairings: Carménère’s earthiness and subtle spiciness make it an excellent pairing for roast pork, lamb, and even slightly spicy dishes like chili or grilled sausages. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables and Mediterranean flavors.

Malbec: The Dark Horse

Brief History

While Malbec originated in France, where it was primarily used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, it truly found its home in Argentina. Introduced to the country in the mid-19th century, Malbec thrived in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, where it developed a distinct, rich profile that has since become iconic. Today, Argentina is the leading producer of Malbec, and the wine has become synonymous with the country’s vibrant wine culture.

The Taste Experience

Malbec is a full-bodied wine known for its dark fruit flavors like black cherry, blackberry, and plum, along with chocolate, vanilla, and a hint of smoke or leather. It tends to have softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it an easy-drinking wine that’s still rich and satisfying. Malbec’s fruit-forward nature and velvety texture make it a favorite for those who love bold yet approachable wines.

The Malbec Drinker’s Personality

If you gravitate toward Malbec, you’re probably someone who loves a good adventure but also values comfort and familiarity. You’re easygoing and fun-loving, the type of person who enjoys a good barbecue with friends or a cozy night in with a rich, hearty meal. You appreciate wines that are bold yet smooth, much like your approach to life—you’re up for excitement, but you also know how to relax and enjoy the moment.

Malbec lovers are often social and enjoy gathering with friends over food and drink. You’re confident but don’t feel the need to show off, and you probably have a bit of a dark horse vibe—someone who’s more interesting than meets the eye.

Fun Fact: Malbec is the most planted grape in Argentina, and Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards, located at 3,000-5,000 feet above sea level, produce some of the best examples of this varietal.

Perfect Pairings: Malbec’s bold, fruity flavors make it a natural pairing for grilled meats, especially steak (it’s the ultimate companion to Argentina’s famous asado). It also pairs well with smoky barbecue, spicy Mexican dishes, and even dark chocolate desserts.

Final Sip: Which Wine Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the best wine is the one that brings you joy. If you love a wine that’s bold, complex, and intense, Cabernet Sauvignon is your go-to. If you’re more of a laid-back explorer who loves discovering something unique and balanced, Carménère will win your heart. And if you’re a fun, easygoing soul who loves bold yet approachable flavors, Malbec is your perfect match.

But why choose just one? The beauty of wine is that you don’t have to stick to a single style. Whether you’re a Cab collector, a Carménère connoisseur, or a Malbec lover, each wine offers a distinct experience that reflects not only the grape but also the terroir, the winemaker’s vision, and, most importantly, your own preferences.

So, grab a glass, sip, and savor—

Speaking of, our members-only Amélie wine club is tasting all these wines this Fall! If you like exploring new wines, as well as saving on wine and food every time you visit our bar and bistro, join our Sip & Savor Wine Club here.