Updated July 2026
Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir are grape words, not a ranking. Both sit under 27 CFR Part 4 as red table wine when that is the class. Typical US table lots sit near 12–14%. A 5-ounce glass at 12% is one NIAAA drink; a hotter lot drinks higher. Color and “body” are palate talk. No 2026 crown.
Related: pasta red, red wine alternatives, cooking red.
Grape vs class
| Language | 5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Cabernet / Pinot Noir | Read the neck |
| Typical US table | 1.00 at 12% |
| Better grape | — |
| Best of the two | — |
Count the glass. Pour math: wine math.
Sources
- 27 CFR Part 4. Typical table 12–14%.
- NIAAA December 2025: 5 oz at 12% = one drink.