By Ray Spaziani
Wine Talk
Ray Spaziani
Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted in California in the 1850s. It was planted in Santa Clara Valley and later made its way to Sonoma. Cabernet was difficult to grow; however, it was very aromatic. Because of its big nose it was well received.
In the 1880s the grape was hit with a disease called phylloxera that rotted the root stock. It made a comeback, then was struck in the 1920s by Prohibition, which was destructive to the wine industry. It took until the early 1960s to make a comeback once again. Cabernet became the third most planted grape in Napa.
The quality of Cabernet was improving with all types of experimentation. The Judgment of Paris in 1976 saw Cabernet and Chardonnay from Napa score higher than all their French competition. This aided in Cabernet’s popularity. By the late 1990s, it had become the most planted variety in Napa Valley. It remains so today.
For a wine to be called Cabernet, at least 75 percent of the grapes used to make it must be Cabernet. Merlot and Cabernet Franc frequently make up the remainder of the wine. To be called Napa Valley Cabernet, all the fruit used in making the wine must come from that region.
Cabs are grown all over the world. In Woodbridge, the Savino Vineyards on Ford Road make some pretty good Cabernet.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its richness and its varied, complex flavors. It is also known for being high priced. Some of the most prestigious Napa Cabs cost hundreds of dollars per bottle, putting them out of the price range of most wine enthusiasts.
But there are plenty of high-quality, more affordable Napa Cabernets. Some of them include Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Cab, which is $39, and Raymond Napa Cab at $50 for a great 2020 vintage. Charles Krug 2019 Napa Cab is $41 and is a treat.
My favorite is a bit more expensive at $85 per bottle. It is Caymus, and it is produced by wine icon Chuck Wagner. Despite its price it is a popular wine.
If you are treating yourself to a big steak or a special veal dish, match it with one these great Napa Valley Cabernets. That meal will truly be something special.
Ray Spaziani is the chapter director of the New Haven chapter of the American Wine Society. He is on the tasting panels of Winemaker Magazine and Amate del Vino and is a certified wine educator and award-winning home winemaker. Email Ray with your wine questions or activities at realestatepro1000@gmail.com.