Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Cabernet Sauvignon

Often synonymous Bordeaux wine blends and the Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is found worldwide – in no small part due to its prized combination of black fruit aromas, structural tannins, and fresh acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous red wine grape varieties on Earth. The grape is rivaled only by its Bordeaux stablemate, Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir.

Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines usually demonstrate a handful of common character traits (see below for some caveats to this). The typical features include, a deep color, high tannin content and moderate acidity with aromas of black currant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood. The wines tend to range from medium-bodied to full-bodied.

The bold structure of Cabernet Sauvignon is tempered by protein-rich red meats such as beef and venison, though subtler earthy cuts such as fillets may better suit lighter wines. There is also enough acidity to pair well with fattier cuts. The tannic character of the grape means that sauces should not be too sweet, sour or spicy. For this reason Cabernet Sauvignon might not be the best choice for barbeque; moreover the char character is likely to emphasize astringency. Similarly, care should be taken when pairing with cheese. It is best to stick to nutty, milder cheeses such as Gruyere or Havarti. Care should be taken with saltier cheeses, and blues. Mushrooms are a good choice, tying in well with the vegetal characters present in many of the wines. They work particularly well with mature vintages; the legendary British critic Michael Broadbent recommended mushrooms on toast for venerable bottles. Fungi combine with beef in a classic option for fine Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as pictured below.

## We have a choice of videos to watch including:

1. https://youtu.be/21SHxYyRcBQ?si=dIOFHLn-2D2oIPr1 - Explore The Styles of Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine Folly (6:00)
2. https://youtu.be/aDM3fEvlZYs?si=85llT3mdHV-kGA44 - Cabernet Sauvignon 101: Why It’s the King of Red Wines - Toast to Wine (8:13)
3. https://youtu.be/NbNSFhi39bU?si=KnRoLg3J4cIP5sPi - Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine in 10 - Konstantin Baum (9:10)

So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!

Cheers!!