A guide to great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

by Balram Singh September 25, 2022

Introduction

As the countries of the new world are becoming more and more popular amongst wine lovers, there are many different winemaking regions appearing on our radars. One of these regions is none other than Napa Valley in California, USA, with the star of the region being its Cabernet Sauvignon. The variety might have originated in Bordeaux, France, but it expresses itself amazingly when cultivated in Napa Valley, due to the warm coastal climate that these regions have in common.

A brief history lesson about Napa Valley

The first vineyards are believed to have been planted by George Yount, a European-American settler in 1838 and the first winery was established 20 years later in the area. However, in the beginning of the 20th century, the outbreak of phylloxera, a disease that heavily affects vines, the great depression, the second World War and the alcohol prohibition that followed, brought the production of Californian wines to a halt.

What revived the winemaking of the area was the fact that in 1976, the wines of Napa Vary won against Bordeaux and Burgundy wines in the Paris Judgment. Ever since, the wines of the area have only grown in popularity and can be sold for very high prices.

What to expect from a good quality Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Generally the Cabernet wines of the area have a medium alcoholic content, they are dry and full bodied with a high acidity and prominent tannins. They have very distinct ripe red fruit aromas that allow the wines to age for many years and keep developing even more complex aromas and flavors like coffee, leather, tobacco and earthy notes like mushrooms and forest floor

Some notable wine subregions of Napa Valley

There are 16 winemaking sub regions of the Napa valley, bur here we’ll cover some of the most famous ones.

The Napa Valley’s distinctive geography changes the climate, providing a variety of mesoclimates inside the valley. Due to its proximity to San Pablo Bay, which directs sea breezes and morning fog up the valley, the open southern end of the valley is kept chilly. A gap in the Mayacamas mountains at Chalk Hill allows evening winds from the Pacific to chill the valley’s northern end, which is typically much warmer. With “mountain Cabernets” offering structure and freshness and valley floor wines delivering greater opulence and richness, growing temperatures vary according to the sites’ various altitudes.

Calistoga AVA

The Calistoga AVA, one of the warmest regions in the valley, is located at the farthest north. The warmer climate of Calistoga tends to produce Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of baked fruit, cassis, and cedar. It is the home of Chateau Montelena, whose 1976 Judgment of Paris fame (watch the movie “Bottle Shock” if you’re interested in learning more about this) is legendary.

Stags Leap District

One of the AVAs in Napa Valley that is easiest to recognize. The AVA is small and narrow, but it has gained particular notoriety for Cabernet Sauvignon since Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars introduced their Cabernet in Paris in 1976. The violet, cherry, and delicate tannin aromas that Stags Leap Cabernet wines frequently have give the wines an attractive freshness. The loose, free-draining volcanic soil, which promotes modest yields of high-quality fruit, is largely responsible for the AVA’s success.

Food pairings for great Napa Cabernet Sauvignons

Rich meaty and earthy notes are complemented by the Napa Cabernet’s sturdy, sophisticated structure and deep blackberry characteristics. Beef, venison, and lamb are all great options for red meats and game, while vegetarian options like portobello mushrooms stuffed with goat cheese and pesto also go well.

When and how to drink high quality Cabernets from Napa Valley

Although Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is typically ready to be consumed, 5–10 years of aging will frequently be advantageous. Wines from select producers can age even longer, occasionally for up to 20 years. Best served at room temperature (17°C or 6°F) to highlight the wine’s warm, fruity flavor.

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