We could list a hundred fascinating facts about Cabernet Sauvignon. Really, we could.
But since it’s we’re winding down from the work week and gearing up for the weekend, let’s not go crazy. Let’s just go with five for Friday…
1. Cabernet Sauvignon is known as the “king of red wines” primarily because of its complexity — its aromas and flavors being a mix of the grape variety’s qualities and the use of oak barrels for aging the wine. Among the common descriptors for Cabernet are blackberry, plum, raisin, black currant, spice, pepper, vanilla, cedar, smoke, oak, tar, leather, earth, herbs, tobacco, coffee and chocolate. Complex? You bet.
2. The two hubs of Cabernet Sauvignon are the Bordeaux region of France (in particular, the gravelly soils of the Left Bank), and California’s Napa Valley (where outstanding wines are made from both valley-floor and mountain-grown fruit).
3. Cabernet Sauvignon shows up in places you may not expect it, and sometimes its presence is not readily apparent. For example, in Italy, the so-called “Super Tuscan” wines are blends of indigenous grapes (primarily Sangiovese) and non-indigenous grapes (often Cabernet Sauvignon, and occasionally Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc). The Priorat wines of Spain sometimes, but not always, include Cabernet. And in Australia, vintners like to make 50:50 blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz (a.k.a. Syrah).
4. Because of its complexity, Cabernet often is consumed solo. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed with food. Among its sublime pairing partners are mushroom stroganoff, braised short ribs, a Kobe burger (or any burger with melting Gruyere), lamb chops, and Santa Maria-style tri-tip.
5. In 1996, DNA testing by the University of California at Davis, home to the most renowned viticultural school in the world, revealed a previously unknown “secret” about Cabernet Sauvignon: It’s actually a natural crossing of two other varietals: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The crossing occurred during the 1600s, according to U.C. Davis.
You can try three great Cabernets for one low price right now, for a limited time through Vinesse. The source for Infinity Cellars Cabernet is Alexander Valley, a long-standing Sonoma appellation first planted in 1843. The largest sub-region in the county, it has long been applauded for its Cabernet, often reaching Napa-esque quality and prestige. Patagonia may not be as familiar as Argentina’s Mendoza Valley, but it consistently grabs our attention with impressively complex Cabernets like Alpataco, named for a native desert shrub. The best of California is blended into Sparrow Creek Winery, a stealth operation that has access to some of the finest vineyards throughout the Golden State.
Satisfaction is guaranteed and you can get six bottles for just $82.99 plus shipping and handling. To order now, click here.
