While their names share the word “Sauvignon,” Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are two of the world’s most beloved grape varieties that come from the same genetic family. These two iconic grapes have shaped wine culture across the globe, but each has its own distinct character and place in the vineyard.
The Origins: A Family Connection
You may not guess it at first sip, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc share a surprising family connection. Hundreds of years ago, in the 17th century, these two varietals were linked by a natural crossing between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, resulting in the birth of Cabernet Sauvignon. This discovery was confirmed by DNA testing in the 1990s, solving a long-standing mystery in the wine world.
Sauvignon Blanc: The Crisp, Aromatic Ancestor
Sauvignon Blanc, one of the oldest grape varieties, originated in France’s Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions. Known for its vibrant acidity and distinctive aromatics, Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape that produces wines with flavors ranging from zesty citrus and tropical fruit to fresh-cut grass and herbs. Savvy tasters will find flavors of tropical guava, Meyer lemon, and key lime in our Raeburn Sauvignon Blanc, laced with aromatic notes of white flowers.
This grape thrives in cooler climates, from the Loire Valley in France to right here in Northern California. We select grapes from vineyard sites in Napa and Lake County for our Raeburn Sauvignon Blanc, areas where cool mornings and evenings help grapes ripen slowly, and warm days lead to excellent flavor development. Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity and expressive aromatics, making it a go-to for pairing with seafood, light pastas, or salads. It’s also a stand-out when served along spicy dishes, such as Thai fare.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A Bold Offspring
Created by a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the most famous and widely planted red wine grapes in the world. First discovered in Bordeaux, France, Cabernet Sauvignon is now one of the most well-known varietals, appreciated for its powerful tannins, bold flavors, and excellent aging potential.
While Sauvignon Blanc is all about zesty freshness, Cabernet Sauvignon offers richness and structure. With notes of dark red fruits, a hint of baking spice, and even a touch of leather or tobacco, Cabernet Sauvignon is deep and robust. Its bold character makes it the ideal wine for pairing with heartier dishes like grilled steaks, lamb, or braised short ribs.
Genetic Connections
With their shared genetic relatives, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon have a few similarities, though the wines themselves are quite different:
- Versatility: Both grapes are quite adaptable and can grow in many regions. Each grape also can be made to express different styles, allowing the winemakers to showcase their craft.
- Aromatics: Both wines are known for their distinctive aromatics. Sauvignon Blanc offers bright, tropical, and citrus notes, while Cabernet Sauvignon leans toward darker fruit and earthier tones.
- Acidity: Both grapes maintain relatively high acidity, although it’s more pronounced in Sauvignon Blanc. This acidity is key to food-pairing versatility.
Key Differences
Despite their family ties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc couldn’t be more different in style and expression:
- Color: Most obvious, Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape, and Cabernet Sauvignon is a red, so the resulting wines are on very different ends of the color spectrum. Sauvignon Blanc is light and pale, and Cabernet Sauvignon is deep and dark.
- Body & Structure: Crisp, fresh Sauvignon Blanc is typically light to medium-bodied with high acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is full-bodied, with more pronounced tannins and a weightier, more structured feel.
- Flavor Profiles: Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing, with notes of citrus and flowers. Cabernet Sauvignon leans toward rich flavors of red and black fruit, leather, and oak.
Together, these two varietals offer a delicious taste of wine history, and a chance to sample two very different kinds of wine. You’ll find the Raeburn crew with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc on a warm afternoon, and Cabernet Sauvignon graces the table during hearty meals and is a natural choice during the colder months. What is YOUR Sauvignon preference? Let us know.