By Tony Margiotta
Cabernet Sauvignon, the king of bold reds, has long reigned in the hearts of wine lovers, especially those who indulge in the robust, full-bodied expressions from California’s Napa Valley. With its lush notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and subtle hints of tobacco, Napa Cab sets the standard for richness, complexity, and long finishes. But, if you’re a Cab devotee ready to explore new horizons, Italy offers a treasure trove of alternatives that can satisfy your palate while introducing you to something delightfully different.
This article is your guide to Italian wines that provide a similar experience to Cabernet Sauvignon, without straying too far from what you love. We'll start with a familiar friend, La Magnolia Cabernet Sauvignon, and then move on to other Italian varieties that share Cab's full body, smooth textures, and mature fruit profiles. All these wines are available here: Cab Conversion Collection, ready to take your wine journey to the next level.
1. La Magnolia Cabernet Sauvignon – Veneto, Italy
Before we fully branch out, let’s start with an Italian Cabernet Sauvignon to help you ease into the journey: La Magnolia Cabernet Sauvignon. While Italy isn’t traditionally known for Cabernet Sauvignon outside of high-end Super Tuscan blends, this Friuli-Venezia-Giulia expression offers a nuanced step away from the dense, fruit-forward style of Napa.
La Magnolia still delivers those signature blackberry and blackcurrant notes, but with a lighter, more elegant touch. You’ll notice earthy undertones and a smoother tannin structure, making it a refreshing departure from the opulence of California Cabs. The acidity here is balanced yet slightly more pronounced, pairing beautifully with pasta and richer meat dishes. It’s a great stepping stone before diving into Italy’s indigenous varieties.
2. Terre Sorella Cannonau di Sardegna – Sardinia, Italy
If you enjoy the bold fruit and velvety texture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cannonau di Sardegna is an Italian grape you must explore. Its full body with ripe forest fruits on the front palate, smooth mid palate, and complex finish of spice, mirto berry, and Mediterranean perfumes will hypnotize you.
Terre Sorella Cannonau di Sardegna showcases ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, and subtle spices like cinnamon and clove. The wine is full-bodied yet maintains a bright acidity, making it an excellent match for food. Its smooth, round texture and long finish mirror what you love in a Napa Cab, but with a slightly softer tannic structure. Cannonau also tends to exhibit a mediterranean shrub that provides depth without overpowering the fruit.
3. Atha Ruja Cannonau di Sardegna – Sardinia, Italy
For a more intense expression of Cannonau, Atha Ruja Cannonau di Sardegna offers darker fruit, more spice, and a richer mouthfeel. If your favorite Cabernets have that extra kick of complexity—think leather, tobacco, or dried herbs—Atha Ruja provides a similar experience.
This wine boasts mature blackberry and plum notes, balanced by a savory quality that adds layers of interest. Its fuller body and velvety tannins make it a superb transition for those who crave the depth of a Napa Cab but want to experience something distinctly Italian. With its long, lingering finish, Atha Ruja leaves a lasting impression, making it a top contender in your cab conversion.
4. Kuentu Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna – Sardinia, Italy
For those looking for a Cannonau with a bit more age and refinement, the Kuentu Riserva Cannonau di Sardegna is a perfect choice. As a Riserva, this wine spends extra time in oak, developing a complexity and structure that’s reminiscent of aged Cabernet Sauvignon.
Expect layers of ripe blackberries, dried figs, and dark cherries, alongside earthy notes of leather, truffle, and dried herbs. The tannins here are firm yet integrated, providing that gripping mouthfeel you associate with a well-aged Napa Cab. The wine’s long, persistent finish will satisfy your craving for depth and richness, making this an ideal next step on your Italian wine adventure.
5. Francesco Fiori Nebriosu Cagnulari – Sardinia, Italy
Another Sardinian gem, Francesco Fiori Nebriosu Cagnulari, introduces a lesser-known varietal, Cagnulari, which is perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon fans seeking something a little off the beaten path. Cagnulari offers the same full-bodied experience with black fruit flavors but with more complexity.
Nebriosu Cagnulari is rich in dark cherry, blackberry, and plum notes, with hints of black pepper and savory ancient herbs. The tannins are smooth yet present, providing the structure you expect in a Cab, while the acidity keeps it lively and food-friendly. Its long, elegant finish will appeal to those who enjoy the finesse of a French Cabernet, but with a distinctive Italian flair.
6. Ugolini Monte Solane Valpolicella Ripasso – Veneto, Italy
Stepping into the Veneto region, Ugolini Monte Solane Valpolicella Ripasso offers a bold, structured wine that can easily stand alongside a Napa Cab in terms of body and depth. Ripasso wines are made by re-passing Valpolicella wine over the lees of Amarone, adding richness, concentration, and a higher alcohol content.
Monte Solane delivers mature Veronese cherry, and plum flavors, with underlying notes of chocolate, dried figs, and leather. The wine’s smooth, velvety tannins and long finish evoke the luxury of a well-made Cabernet Sauvignon. If you love the power of Napa Cab but crave a little more finesse, Ripasso is the perfect alternative, especially this single vineyard cru.
7. Battaglio Barbera d’Alba – Piedmont, Italy
If you’re ready to venture into a different region with a unique twist, Battaglio Barbera d’Alba from Piedmont offers a wine with similar body and texture to Cabernet, but with higher acidity and a touch of brightness.
Barbera is known for its rich fruit profile—blackberry, black cherry, and plum—combined with a touch of vanilla that makes it incredibly food-friendly. The absence of tannins and velvety mouthfeel are reminiscent of a California Cab, but the acidity gives it an edge, providing a fresh, lively finish. It’s a versatile wine, perfect for pairing with anything from roasted meats to aged cheeses.
8. Corte dei Venti Le Terre Rosse Super Tuscan – Tuscany, Italy
Finally, we come to Tuscany, home to the famous Super Tuscans, which often blend international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon with native Italian grapes. Corte dei Venti Le Terre Rosse is a Super Tuscan that showcases the depth, structure, and elegance of a classic Cab while introducing Italian flair through Sangiovese.
This wine is full-bodied, with mature blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry notes. You’ll also find hints of tobacco, and black truffle thanks to its prehistoric terroir at 1000 feet above sea level in Montalcino. The tannins are firm but refined, giving you that familiar grip on the palate, while the finish is long and satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for Cabernet lovers seeking a wine that bridges both worlds—Napa and Italy.
Conclusion: Expanding Your Palate with Italian Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon may be your first love, but there’s a whole world of Italian wines that offer similar richness, texture, and complexity. From the bold Cannonau of Sardinia to the elegant Barbera of Piedmont, Italy has an impressive range of wines that can satisfy your cravings for full-bodied reds while introducing you to new flavors and experiences.
Whether you start with La Magnolia Cabernet Sauvignon as a gentle transition or dive right into the robust flavors of Valpolicella Ripasso and Super Tuscan, these wines are your perfect cab conversions. Explore them all here and discover the next great wine in your collection.