International Cabernet Day
is celebrated on the Thursday before Labor Day each year. It originated to celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the world’s most popular and widely planted grape varieties.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape in the world. Why?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a relatively young grape variety believed to have originated in France in the 17th century. It is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
After years of producing Zinfandel in Amador County, Scott was astonished by his first harvest in Napa Valley. The uniformity of the grapes, all with the same sugar content, was a stark contrast to the uneven ripening of Zinfandel. He thought, “No wonder people enjoy making wine here.”
- Ageability: Cabernet Sauvignon can age for decades due to its tannin structure and acidity. The wine often develops secondary flavors like tobacco, leather, and earthiness with time, making older vintages highly prized.
- Popular in blending: While Cabernet Sauvignon is often enjoyed as a single varietal wine, it is also popular for blending, even outside of Bordeaux. It can add structure, tannins, and complexity to blends with other varieties such as Shiraz, Malbec, and Sangiovese (making a Super Tuscan)
- New World vs. Old World Cabernet Sauvignon: Wines from the “Old World” (like France) tend to be more earthy and restrained, with higher acidity and lower alcohol. In contrast, “New World” (like the USA and Australia) Cabernets are often more fruit-forward, with higher alcohol content and a riper flavor profile. Scott makes our Cabernet in the Old World style. His mentor, Dr. Richard Peterson, insisted he maintain the European style that was passed down from André Tchelistcheff.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered the “king” of red wines in Napa Valley, California. The region’s warm climate and diverse soils produce some of the world’s most highly regarded and expensive Cabernets. Scott Harvey Wines has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon for 20 years, with the 2021 Napa Valley Cathedral Cabernet Sauvignon being our final bottling. The cost of Cabernet grapes has escalated to $8,000 per ton, while we obtain Barbera and Zinfandel grapes for an average of $2,000 per ton. Consequently, continuing production has become financially unsustainable.
Fun Fact:
The Judgement of Paris: Cabernet Sauvignon played a pivotal role in the famous 1976 “Judgement of Paris,” a blind-tasting event where California wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, beat French wines, shocking the wine world and putting Napa Valley on the global wine map.
Food Pairings:
Grilled or Roasted Meats:
- Steak: A classic pairing, especially with cuts like ribeye or filet mignon. The meat’s rich, juicy flavors complement the wine’s tannins and dark fruit flavors.
- Lamb: Roasted or grilled lamb, especially with herbs like rosemary and thyme, pairs beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthy and herbal notes.
Hard Cheeses
- Aged Cheddar: The sharpness and depth of aged cheddar complement the complex flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Parmesan : With its nutty and salty profile, this hard cheese pairs well with the wine’s acidity and tannins.
Mushroom Dishes
- Mushroom Risotto: The earthiness of mushrooms and the creamy texture of risotto pair well with the wine’s earthy and sometimes truffle-like undertones.
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The meaty texture and umami flavor of grilled portobello mushrooms can stand up to the boldness of Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate Desserts: The bittersweet richness of dark chocolate pairs well with Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins and dark berry flavors, especially when the wine has some age on it, which softens the tannins and brings out more complex, secondary flavors.
There is no need to wait until Thursday. Savor a delightful glass or bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and commemorate this extraordinary grape!
Cheers!
