It’s time to celebrate all things Dad! Sunday is Father’s Day and another great occasion to bring the family together. Instead of buying the traditional Dad-staples like tools, ties or socks, why not go for something that will complement his prowess around the grill? This week’s wine, Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, has been on the Wente family’s dinner table every night since the winery was founded in 1883. That’s a lot of Father’s days!
Tasting Notes: Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon along with splashes of Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Malbec and Tempranillo. The blend sports rich flavours of blackberry and grilled plum, cassis, cedar and spices along with soft, round tannins and a smooth finish. Sound like something Dad (or the whole family) would like?
Enjoy With: Any beef or pork dish, especially off the grill, as well as hard cheeses.
Style: A dry, ripe, full-bodied red wine.
Terroir/Region: The Wente family settled in California’s Livermore Valley in 1883 and could not have picked a better site for growing vines. The valley is unique in that it runs East-West, giving the vineyards long hours in the sun as well as the cooling benefits of winds coming in from San Francisco Bay just to the west. The gravel soils of the valley are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and the region is often compared to the vineyards of northern Napa, without the Napa price tag!
Producer: The Wente family began its business on 47 acres of land in the Livermore Valley and now farms over 400 acres of estate (family-owned) vineyards. The family pioneered the Arroyo Secco growing region, created the widely-used Wente clone of Chardonnay, and currently has the fifth generation of the family at the helm. It even managed to stay open through Prohibition.
Availability: Wente Vineyards Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon can be found year-round in the California section of your local LCBO. Grab one for Dad today and maybe get another for yourself!
