Winemaker Notes
Tomato-based sauces, such as bolognese Puttanesca sauce, are a great match for Cabernet Sauvignon - the sharp flavors of the tomatoes balances the acidity of the wine. Chinese cuisine such as peking duck, mu shu pork, or braised soy pork have high fat levels and slightly sweet hoisin or soy flavors that bring out the fruit flavors in the wine. Rich and intensely flavored foods soften the tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Go with grilled meats or braised dishes like lamb kabobs or pot flank steak. Also a great match for strongly flavored cheeses.
Blend: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot
Covering the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.
California’s most famous region—and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon—is the acclaimed Napa Valley. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other.
Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet; Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets.