Charles Rousseau Cabernet Sauvignon IGP Pays d'OC

From the vineyards of France, Charles Rousseau Cabernet Sauvignon arrives with a clear sense of place, labelled IGP Pays d'OC and presented as a classic expression of a widely loved grape. This red wine sits squarely in the category of approachable everyday reds, yet it offers enough structure to pair with a variety of meals. Part of the 1001Spirits selection, it represents southern French fruit that balances ripeness and herbal lift.

Visually the wine shows a deep ruby hue with garnet edges, suggesting ripe dark fruit at the core with a touch of ageability. The clarity hints at careful winemaking without flashy manipulation, while the rim gives a sense of concentration and depth. Pours into the glass with a glossy sheen that invites a closer sniff.

On the nose you can expect classic Cabernet aromas, notably blackcurrant and blackberry, supported by darker cherry notes and a streak of wild herb. Secondary impressions may include cedar, a hint of tobacco leaf and a gentle spice that frames the fruit without overwhelming it. The aromatic profile is direct and readable, making the wine easy to approach from the first swirl.

On the palate the wine shows solid structure, with medium to full-bodied impressions and distinct tannic presence that shapes the mouthfeel. Ripe fruit drives the midpalate, while balanced acidity keeps the finish lively. The aftertaste leans toward savory berry and a touch of mineral graphite, lending persistence and a satisfying chew to the finish.

Red wine style & palate

This Cabernet Sauvignon leans into varietal clarity, where blackcurrant and dark plum form the backbone of the flavour profile. The fruit is ripe without being jammy, which allows herbal and savory notes to peek through over time.

Tannins are present and give the wine a defined frame, yet they are not overly aggressive. They provide texture and grip, which makes the wine suitable to serve alongside richer food that needs some structural support.

Acidity is measured and complementary, providing lift across the palate and preventing the wine from feeling heavy. The balance between acidity and tannin creates a sense of forward motion through each sip.

The finish is medium to long in length, with lingering dark fruit and a subtle spicy edge that invites another sip. There is a pleasing interplay between fruit intensity and savoury echoes.

Taste and structure of Charles Rousseau Cabernet Sauvignon

Initial flavours are firmly fruit driven, with blackcurrant and blackberry opening the tasting sequence. Those bright notes are soon joined by darker cherry and hints of plum, creating a layered fruit profile.

Savoury characters arrive as the wine breathes, with small-leaf herb, graphite and a faint cedar influence. These elements add complexity without introducing overt oak flavours or artificial sweetness.

Midpalate weight is satisfying, with a plush core that sits comfortably between lean and generous. The wine’s backbone is built from moderate tannins and balanced acidity which together give a composed structure.

Persistence comes from a combination of fruit concentration and subtle mineral tones, which leave a clean finish that resonates with both fruit and savoury memories.

Serving suggestion

Serve this Cabernet Sauvignon around 17°C to allow fruit and structure to express themselves in harmony. That single temperature helps the tannins soften while keeping aromatic detail vivid.

Choose a broad, tulip-shaped red glass to concentrate aromas and to give the wine room to open. Gentle decanting for 20 to 30 minutes can enhance aromatic release for fuller expression.

Allow the wine to sit briefly after pouring to let secondary notes emerge, such as cedar and tobacco leaf. This brief period of breathing will reveal the wine’s layered qualities.

When enjoying by the glass, pour modest measures to keep the wine lively across multiple sips, especially when pairing with food that benefits from steady acidity and tannic support.

Food pairings for this red wine

Grilled and charred red meats form a natural match, particularly beef steaks, flank steak and charred burgers. The wine’s tannic structure stands up to these dishes while the fruit provides counterbalance.

Lamb works exceptionally well, whether roasted with herbs or slow braised in a tomato based sauce. The savoury herbs and richer meat textures bring out the wine’s herbal and mineral traits.

Hearty stews and casseroles find a good partner here, especially recipes that include mushrooms, root vegetables and earthy aromatics. The wine's dark fruit and spice enhance rustic flavours.

Aged hard cheeses such as cheddar and manchego complement the wine’s tannins and underline its savoury side. Softer cheeses with pronounced flavour intensity can also work when served with charcuterie.

For vegetarian options, roasted autumn vegetables, lentil ragout and dishes with umami sauces like mushroom ragù bring balanced contrasts. Tomato based pastas with herbs and a touch of spice also pair nicely.

Conclusion

Charles Rousseau Cabernet Sauvignon IGP Pays d'OC offers a focused expression of Cabernet from southern France with clear varietal character, good structure and versatile pairing potential. It is fruit forward yet savoury enough to accompany substantial meals.

With its balanced tannins and persistent finish, the wine suits casual dinners and more considered meals where texture and savour matter. It sits well within 1001Spirits selection as a dependable red for everyday enjoyment and for occasions that call for classic Cabernet character.

For those looking to buy red wines online from 1001Spirits, this Cabernet Sauvignon is an option that combines approachable fruit with enough backbone to satisfy structured pairings and relaxed sipping alike.