Cabernet Sauvignon Is The King Of Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is probably the most popular red wine in America mostly because it grows wonderfully in Napa Valley. As time went by, growers expanded the areas to plant. They discovered some spots that made even better tasting versions of Cabernet. The wines are so good that they became instant stars commanding ridiculous prices. That is why Cabernet Sauvignon Is The King Of Red Wines. So while the rich are drinking the expensive stuff, what is there for the masses? The answer is plenty.

Wine Shopping

If you are buying on the blind, spend at least $15, or $20 to be safe and get some quality. Another thing that helps is to see if the label states that the wine is from a certain area such as Paso Robles. If a wine just states California, then the grapes can be grown anywhere in California and shipped to the winery. That could decrease the quality as the grapes begin to spoil as soon as they are picked. Go out and get some Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon which is from Paso Robles for about $16 and get ready for a treat. Or my favorite, Louis Martini from Napa for a bit more.

Cabernet Sauvignon Aroma/Taste

The most common aromas and flavors found in Cabernet Sauvignon are plum, black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, bell peppers, spices, vanilla, tobacco and leather. For me, Cabernet is the perfect steak wine. I can still remember the day when my brain finally connected the marriage between the two. The flavors it possesses go great with steak. The berries, cherries and bell pepper flavors are like creating a steak sauce to pour on top. Of course, you can also drink it with aged cheeses, other dark meats, or by itself. And if you can afford it, try some more expensive ones like Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. It translates to “without a care”. Perfect name! It happens to be the lovely child of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Food Pairings

The classic pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon is steak, especially grilled medium rare to medium. Others are a really good burger, beef short ribs, lamb, portabello mushrooms and hard cheeses.

French Cabernet Sauvignon

The majority of Cabernet Sauvignon wines are made in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet grows on the left bank of the Gironde river, whereas Merlot grows on the right. They are usually blended with Merlot and other lesser grapes to make some of the world’s greatest wines. Although expensive, Chateau Lafite Rotschild is a once in a lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to taste it years ago. It tasted like pure velvet from the beginning to the end. That was more than 30 years ago so that’s all I remember. It was quite different from California cabernet which uses more oak.

If you can’t afford a new bottle at $600 or more, then get together with a group of 5-6 friends and have one glass each. Or go to an annual wine tasting in a nearby city and buy the VIP ticket which lets you in early. Run straight to the tables that might open an expensive bottle. Otherwise search for top end Bordeaux’s lower end wines and you won’t be disappointed. See the picture below. It costs about $16. It is made by Chateau Mouton Rothschild which is another expensive Bordeaux wine.

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