Chardonnay Vs Cabernet Sauvignon

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Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have the same amount of alcohol and dryness. But they have very different flavors and price points. In addition, Chardonnay is a white wine, whereas Cabernet Sauvignon is red. The origins of both wines have been disputed, but only one of those disputes was conclusively solved. But today, they can be found in a dozen countries.

What Is Similar About Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon?

Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most popular wines in the world. They are both from France, but they’re also produced in Chile and Italy, where they are often less expensive than other wines. High-quality wines can, of course, be found in France. But California is also known to have wineries making remarkable Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Both wines are dry wines that can benefit from aging, but Cabernet Sauvignon is a little trickery to improve with age. It is often blended with other wines before aging it. Because of this, and the fact that it’s great as a young wine, it isn’t aged nearly as often as Chardonnay.

What Is The Difference Between Chardonnay Vs. Cabernet Sauvignon

Chardonnay is white wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon is red wine. As a result, they have incredibly different flavors. For example, Chardonnay tastes like honey and tropical fruit. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like mint, bell pepper, asparagus, and black pepper. Some people also report tasting pencil lead, which is oddly specific and only creates more questions.

Although arguably all wines can benefit from being chilled, Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t bad at room temperature. Chardonnay should always be chilled when possible, though.

We’re not entirely sure where Cabernet Sauvignon came from, but France claims credit, and few people want to die on that hill. Before researchers were able to trace plants back to their origin countries (or as far back as the evidence allows), it was thought that this wine came from Italy. There are also rumors that it’s actually a Spanish wine.

Chardonnay doesn’t have the same shroud of mystery. Some people claimed that it came from the Middle East, but we’ve since been able to confirm that it is indeed a French wine.

Which One Is Sweeter Or Drier Than The Other?

These wines have about the same level of sweetness, which is to say, very little. They are dry wines. Cabernet Sauvignon has more variation in dryness than Chardonnay, so sometimes it can end up a little sweeter or a little dryer. This variation is from being grown in different climates, with cool climate wines being a bit dryer. But no one describes either wine as sweet.

Which One Has More Alcohol Content?

Both Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon have a high amount of alcohol, usually around 13.5 to 14.5 ABV. The average glass of wine has about 11.5, so they’re both pretty far above average. A higher alcohol content gives the wine warmth and boldness that low alcohol wines can lack.

How Do I Choose Between Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon?

To choose between Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, consider the following:

Flavor

Chardonnay has more traditional flavors like fruit. However, it can also taste a bit like vanilla and oak when it’s aged in oak barrels.

Cabernet Sauvignon tastes more like vegetables and spices., but it can also have some unusual flavors that are hard to place.

Price

Chardonnay is thought to be a more expensive wine, but you can still find a bottle for about $6, although it might not be particularly impressive. If you want something higher in quality, consider spending at least $15.

Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at $8 but quickly surpasses $20. You’re more likely to find an inexpensive Chardonnay.

Summary

Chardonnay is a safe choice if you’re new to wine or want to serve something everyone might enjoy. Cabernet Sauvignon definitely appeals to a wide audience. It has bolder flavors that don’t make it a bad wine by any means; some people prefer that. Besides flavor, price is likely to be a deciding factor for many because Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t have many options on the cheaper side of things.

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