Cab Savvy: Ravenswood Vintners Blend Cabernet Sauvignon

Given the name of this column, it is only fitting that I begin with a tasty but modestly priced Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab Savs are one of the most popular Californian wines available nowadays. This is probably due not just to its accessible taste but also due to the ease of producing these grapes. They are known to be thick skinned and resistant to rot. The grape has gained and held international prominence due to its use in the Bordeaux region of France. It made the trans-Atlantic voyage to California and has been incorporated into fantastic wines there. Ravenswood is a winery that has been around since California began to gain prominence during the 1970s. They have been consistently known as "the peoples'" vineyard, producing delicious yet modestly priced wines. Their credo, one which we similarly propagate here, is that everyone, no matter their wallet-size, should be able to enjoy wine. With that in mind they launched their Vintners Blend Series. They combine their own grapes with specially selected but admittedly cheaper wines. From these they create blends that at $10 a bottle are more than worth their cost.

The Cabernet Sauvignon can be found at many local liquor and wine stores. The Watergate Liquor store, West End Market, the Wine Specialist, and Columbian Plaza all stock it. I would open this wine about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan on enjoying it. It is a rich, dark, and tasty wine. A friend and I got tastes of plum and pepper from it. Pair it with a nice meaty dinner. Beef, pork, even a richer chicken (perhaps parmigiana or Marsala). Share it with a friend over some bitter chocolate or a strong cheese. Oxygen can only help this wine so pour small glasses and really give it some time. Make any evening special with this accessible yet inexpensive bottle. Until next week, keep getting cab saavy.