CABS FOR DADS A BRIEF HISTORY OF CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY
We celebrated Mom’s last month with a wide array of options for her relaxing pleasure. Father’s Day leans toward barbeques and burgers and beers, but for the dads who enjoy their wine, Cab is King! Let’s delve into the past and perhaps discover the future!
Historically, wine varietal regulations lean to the French, even though the Romans were growing grapes and vinifying the juice long before the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Cabernet Sauvignon is an “original” Bordeaux varietal. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, the varietal has notes of black fruits and tannins no matter where it is grown today-though the wine can vary significantly based on where its grown and the artistry of the winemaker. Bordeaux is separated by the Gironde Estuary and the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers, the Left (Cabernet Sauvignon dominated) and Right (Merlot dominated) Banks of the Bordeaux region offer unique soils and terroir that make them world famous. The communes of St. Estephe, Pauillac, Saint Julien and Margaux produce some of the most sought-after Cabernet grapes in the world. The terroir is rocky, with gravel and limestone, facilitating the flavorful qualities the wines are famous for. In early wine trade, the location along the rivers made for easier commerce, and the reputation for Bordeaux wine soon became global, as the wines proved to be of fine quality and age worthy. By the late 19th and early 20th century, cuttings of Bordeaux’s famous varietals had spread to places like California, Australia, Argentina and Chile, and even in Italy where an off the DOCG rules wine became the most famous- known as the Super Tuscan- a blend of the native Sangiovese grape from Italy, and Cabernet or Merlot transplanted from Bordeaux. The Cabernet grape is thick skinned and hearty with small clusters that contribute to the rich color of the wine and higher tannin levels.
Cabernet’s true “Second home” is that of Napa, California, where the grape thrives in the well drained soils of the valley floor- where some claim they can taste the” Napa dirt” or “Rutherford dust” in the wine. Warm days and cool nights have created ideal growing conditions, paired with the volcanic soils, and as winemakers have become more experienced, Cabernet has become the “king” in California, with a global market dominance. Wine growers and the artists these winemakers have become over the last few decades have shown the world that not just Napa, but much of California’s winegrowing regions produce world class Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, Argentina has shining examples of well-crafted Cabernet (Bordeaux varietals thrive in Mendoza- Malbec being the most widely planted). Below are some exemplary Cabs you can get here at Ed’s. Let’s begin at the beginning with a top Chateau in Bordeaux, that we can order for your Dad this Father’s Day.
Chateau Calon-Segur St Estephe Le Marquis This Cabernet Sauvignon dominated affordable second wine of Calon- Segur of Medoc offers rich dark berry fruit on the nose with plush ripe tannins and a velvety finish. The Chateau is a third classified growth since the 1855 Classification, meaning it is in the top third of all producers from the famed region. The soil has a thick layer of gravel over clay, helping Calon Segur wines exhibit both power and finesse. The grapes are hand harvested, and the wine is aged up to 20 months in new and used barrels. We give it three bones.
Meadowcroft Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Meadowcroft Winery is the namesake of owner Tom Meadowcroft.
Tom’s passion for wine stems from his experience growing up, working, and traveling in Europe and the Untied States. Early in life he began his journey in winemaking by working a harvest in Bordeaux in 1979. Following that harvest, he studied at UC Davis and Napa College, graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. After earning his degrees, Tom worked in both Napa and Washington State as a Vineyard Manager, focusing on sustainable farming practices and environmental advocacy. Throughout his career, Tom has managed dozens of properties in Napa and Sonoma, all along instilling core principles relating to wine cultivation; from the growing of the vines to what goes in the bottle as an end result. These experiences are what inspired his vision for Meadowcroft Winery, that he proudly produces today, along with his executive winemaker Petar Kirilov. This wine has a rich and compelling nose of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla and subtle notes of pine. Lots of structure with brambly black fruits, blueberry and minerality, the finish is lengthy and layered. We give it three bones.
Cuvelier Los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina is a beautiful expression of what Cabernet can do in the high elevation and rocky soil of the Andes Mountains. The story begins in 1804 when Henri Cuvelier set out to share his great passion for fine wine with his friends residing in the north of France. He created H Cuvelier and Fils, whose success continued throughout the 19th century. Many French Chateau were purchased by the family, including Chateau Le Crock in 1903, Chateau Camensac in 1912 and Chateau Leoville Poyferre in 1920. It’s interesting to note that in 1914, Paul Cuvelier visited Argentina to discover the wines of Mendoza himself. In 1946 the family group had Max Cuvelier create a second fine wine merchant based in Bordeaux. The company has since flourished around the world. In 1998 Bertrand Cuvelier accompanied the famous “flying winemaker” Michel Rolland to Argentina with the joint aim of building a winery and producing fine wines worthy of the family name. From the Valle de Uco this complex Cab shows bright, intense color, with aromas of dark berries and spice, and flavors of black fruit and cocoa, with lingering vanilla on the long finish. We give it three bones.
Caiarossa Toscana Rosso is the purest expression of this family’s vineyards in Tuscany, Italy, where Cabernet and Sangiovese combine with a few other varietals to make a world renowned “Super Tuscan“ wine of superior quality. The company logo is represented by an ancient clay head of Etruscan origin representing the Greek God of wine Dionysus, dating from the fourth century BC. The name Caiarossa is an homage to the soil, which is characterized by jasper, rock and pebbles. The grapes are grown, and the wine is produced organically using biodynamic practices. The nose exhibits black fruit, exotic spice, tar and sweet licorice, the flavors are floral and spice, lavender and sage, followed by intense black mission fig and black cherry. The 14 months in barrel show with a lengthy finish of subtle oak. We give it three bones.
We have learned, the varietal does exude its sense of place, its terroir, but the heart of a Cabernet Sauvignon, black fruit and tannin makes it a king for pairing with red meat. Whether you are firing up the grill and throwing some burgers on to give Dad the day off, or perhaps ordering some nice steaks from a favorite local place, we can help you find a King Cab for Dad that fits your budget and taste. Happy Father’s Day from all of us here at Ed’s Fine Wines.
By CRBrown
