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I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better

I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better

I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better
© Minerva Studio/Shutterstock.com
Terrazas Altos Malbec
© GooDween123/iStock via Getty Images
1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel
© New Africa/Shutterstock.com
14 Hands Merlot
© Inside Creative House/iStock via Getty Images
Caliveda Pinot Noir
© Liudmila Chernetska/iStock via Getty Images
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz/Syrah
© Alias Studiot Oy/Shutterstock.com
Petite Sirah
© siriwat wongchana/Shutterstock.com
Grenache
© Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com
Tempranillo
© Alfonso Soler/Shutterstock.com
Gamay
© "File:W0283-Gamay 2 FiltréNonDébourbé 15270.JPG" by Llann Wé² is licensed under BY-SA 3.0.
Sangiovese
© andrea federici/Shutterstock.com
Cabernet Franc
© "Arger Martucci: 2005 Cabernet Franc" by Tony Takitani is licensed under BY-ND 2.0.
Nebbiolo
© Lomb/Shutterstock.com
I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better
Terrazas Altos Malbec
1000 Stories Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel
14 Hands Merlot
Caliveda Pinot Noir
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz/Syrah
Petite Sirah
Grenache
Tempranillo
Gamay
Sangiovese
Cabernet Franc
Nebbiolo

I Used to Only Drink Cabernet Sauvignon, But These 12 Red Wines Are Better

There are many classic red wines out there, one of the most popular being Cabernet Sauvignon. It has savory notes and a hint of chocolate that will excite any palate. Although the history of this grape was unclear for many years, it's now known that Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural cross between the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties.

From France, this red wine grape spread across Europe and found new homes in New Zealand, California’s Napa Valley, Australia’s Margaret River, South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, and more. Even though Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice, when it comes to great wine, the world is filled with a variety of red, flavorful, fruit-driven wines that are just as good as Cabernet Sauvignon. I used to only drink Cabernet Sauvignon, but now I prefer these other 12 wines.

This post was updated in June 2025 to include updated information about the history of Cabernet Sauvignon and specific wine pairings.

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