Cliffside Cabernet Bon Appetit Gift Basket

Due to the growth characteristics and flavor appeal Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most popular red wine varieties. Over the past 25 years it has become the most widely planted black wine grape in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most successful red wine produced in California. It is a small black grape with a thick very tough skin. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes ripen mid to late season and thrive in moderately warm, semi-arid regions with long growing seasons, on well drained, not too fertile soils. Vineyards in much of Napa Valley, Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, and around Paso Robles of the Central Coast have consistently produced the highest-rated California examples. With high tannins and a savory character Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more complex wines. Because of the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon it pairs best with foods that are high in fat. Some of the best food pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon are red meats, red pastas, lamb, strong-flavored cheese, and chocolate (especially dark).

Cabernet Sauvignon is grown around the world in a wide range of climates and regions and has various flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon wines range from medium-bodied to full-bodied. Cabernet Sauvignon wines are made ready to drink out of the bottle. The typical bouquet of a Cabernet Sauvignon wine smells like black currant with a hint of bell pepper and in the mouth have liveliness and even a degree of richness that usually finishes with firm astringency. Other aromas / flavors include blackberry, black cherry, asparagus, green olive, ginger, green peppercorn, pimento, and anise. Cabernet Sauvignon wines have different bouquets / flavors depending on how they are processed / aged. Wines processed / aged in light Oak have bouquets / flavors of vanilla, coconut, and sweet wood; while wines produced in dark Oak have bouquets / flavors of oak, smoke, toast, and tar. Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are bottle aged have bouquets / flavors of cedar, cigar box, musk, mushroom, earth, and leather. Also see our Merlot wine gifts.