Cabernet Sauvignon
JANUARY 2025
Cabernet Sauvignon • Berticot co-op • Atlantique, France
Happy New Year! We'll kick off 2025 with an Old World and a New World example of this classic red grape. Most people know that Cabernet Sauvignon is originally from Bordeaux, but what most people don't know is that it's a cross (from the 1600's) between Cabernet Franc (a tannic, full-flavored red) & Sauvignon Blanc (a bright, acidic, WHITE grape). Crazy, huh? Cab is the primary grape in Left Bank Bordeaux and usually the secondary grape in a Right Bank Bordeaux blend (after Merlot) although blends are changing as the climate warms with Merlot increasing its percentage in Bordeaux blends across the board.
map credit: @wineenthusiast
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its dark fruit flavors (blackberries, black cherries, dark plums) and especially a note of cassis (also called black currant) which has a very noticeable flavor. It's hard to describe. Sometimes people say it's like a tart blackberry with a note of licorice, but that's not quite right. It's its own special delicious thing. If you are curious, get some black currant jelly and try it. (Anyone know black Wine Gums? That's cassis!) Once you know the flavor, you'll nail it every time in wine! Cabernet Sauvignon is also known for being a fuller-bodied grape with good acidity and notable tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon • Tamarack Cellars • Columbia Valley, Washington • in-stock!
Old World vs. New World
What we're going to talk about in this club is Old World vs New World-style Cabs. Due to weather, terroir and traditional winemaking styles, Old World Cab tends to be a little lighter in body, less fruity, lower alcohol, more acidic (always made to be enjoyed with food!), and drier (= more tannins on the finish).
The New World style tends to be fuller-bodied, fruitier, higher alcohol, and with a more pronounced use of oak, making the wines taste sweeter (butter, caramel, spice, chocolate, mocha) and less tannic. Your two club wines express this difference perfectly – one is a co-op wine from Puglia (Italy's heel of the boot) and the other is from Washington State. Hope you enjoy the difference!
Fratelli Cozza 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon • Puglia, Italy • Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
100% Cabernet. Stainless-steel aged, so no oak. Dark plums, a little blackberry, touch of smokiness on the nose. Flavors have a note of cassis with black cherries, blackberries & a tiny hint of dark chocolate. Medium-bodied. Great acidity. Fine tannins. (Great to sip or have with dinner!) And a lovely spiciness on the finish. Don't age. Drink now to 1 year. Absolutely great for the money.
Buried Cane 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon • Columbia Valley, Washington • Reg $14.99 | Mixed Case $11.99
Aged 1-year in oak. Super nice nose. Inviting. Spicy, herbal. Dark fruits: blue- and blackberries, cassis. Long, pleasantly dry finish. This wine is on a close-out sale as the company that owns this label recently closed its doors. Original shelf price was $22-$23. Tastes like it. Drink now to 2 years. Enjoy with a steak, lamb, or richer vegetable dishes.
A Note from Jens:
Old World vs. New World is such a great theme. And Cabernet Sauvignon fits the winter vibe for a comparative theme. Hope you enjoy! The wines are great.
Your wine club pick-up tasting is always the 2nd Saturday of the month. You get to taste your wines as well as the FLAGSHIP club wines. Their January theme is 3 reds from Portugal.
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop
If you are here because you’re curious about our wine clubs: Here’s more general info & online signup> You can also peruse the last 12 months of both clubs to get a feel for the themes we pick and the wines we showcase: Portalis EXPLORES (our everyday wine club) & Portalis FLAGSHIP (our signature club).