Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon

Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon is a Chilean red wine from the Maipo Valley, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Earning a 90-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge, this bottling stands out for its use of ungrafted rootstock — a rarity made possible by Chile's phylloxera-free soils.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile  |  Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah  |  Producer: Viña Ventisquero & Click Wine Group

Production & Heritage

Root 1 is a collaborative project between Viña Ventisquero, based in Rancagua, Chile, and the Click Wine Group of Seattle, Washington. The name references the ungrafted rootstock from which the grapes are grown — Chile's geographic isolation between the Andes, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atacama Desert has kept phylloxera at bay, allowing vines to grow on their own roots for deeper soil contact and more intense varietal expression. After harvest, 70% of the wine ages for 10 months in a combination of 50% French and 50% American oak barrels, while the remaining 30% rests in stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit character. The 15% Syrah component adds body and spice complexity to the Cabernet backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The glass opens with intense, bright aromas of cassis and blackberry, layered with plum and black pepper. Toasty spice and a subtle vanilla character emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with dark berry and cassis flavors filling the palate. A seductive creaminess develops at mid-palate, joined by notes of dark chocolate and mocha. Supple, fine-grained tannins provide structure without harshness, keeping the wine balanced and nimble despite its fairly full body.

Finish: The finish is smooth and lingering, with cedar, toasted oak, and a trailing echo of black pepper. The tannin structure holds form through the close, giving the wine a satisfying sense of completeness.

How to Drink Root 1 Cabernet

This Cabernet drinks well at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing time in the glass. It holds up equally well on its own or as a cocktail-friendly red.

• Kalimotxo: The dark berry richness and moderate tannins stand up to cola without losing fruit definition.
• Red Wine Sangria: Cassis and plum notes blend naturally with citrus and stone fruit additions.
• New York Sour: The wine's velvety texture and spice float beautifully over a whiskey sour base.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a wine above its weight class
• Introducing someone to Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time
• Stocking a house red that impresses without demanding attention
• Pairing with grilled meats at backyard cookouts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Root 1 Cabernet taste like? Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon leads with cassis, blackberry, and dark chocolate flavors, supported by fine-grained tannins and a creamy mid-palate. The finish carries cedar, toasted oak, and black pepper.

How does Root 1 Cabernet compare to Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available Chilean Cabernets, but Root 1 distinguishes itself through ungrafted rootstock and a 15% Syrah blend that adds spice and body. Root 1 also incorporates partial American oak aging, contributing mocha and toast notes that lean toward a fuller, richer profile.

Is Root 1 Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — the fruit-forward character, supple tannins, and approachable price tier make it an excellent entry point into Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Its balanced structure avoids the astringency that can challenge new red wine drinkers.

Where is Root 1 Cabernet made? Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Chile's Maipo Valley, one of the country's most respected Cabernet-producing regions, through a partnership between Viña Ventisquero of Rancagua, Chile, and the Click Wine Group of Seattle, Washington.

What foods pair well with Root 1 Cabernet? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and oak spice. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its herbal undertones. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha notes. Aged cheddar amplifies the cassis and cedar. Slow-braised short ribs match the wine's velvety tannin structure.

What sizes does Root 1 Cabernet come in? Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Root 1 Cabernet worth the price? Root 1 positions as a strong value-tier Cabernet, consistently rated 90 points by critics including Wine Enthusiast and Vinous while sitting in the entry-level imported Cabernet price range. It is, in fact, the top-selling imported Cabernet Sauvignon in its price segment in the United States according to AC Nielsen data.

Why Root 1 Cabernet?

The defining advantage here is ungrafted rootstock. Because Chile remains one of the few wine-producing regions in the world untouched by phylloxera, Root 1's vines grow on their original roots, drawing deeper from the soil and producing fruit with concentrated varietal intensity. That biological advantage, combined with the 85/15 Cabernet-Syrah blend and a thoughtful split between oak and stainless steel aging, creates a wine that consistently punches above its price point. Dual 90-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, along with Gold Medals at the International Wine Challenge and Los Angeles International Wine Competition, confirm that this is not just a well-marketed label — it delivers genuine quality at its tier.