There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of wine varietals out there. If you have to pick one, what variety will you choose?
Here’s what you need to know about getting a wine that is truly versatile.
Good Shelf Life
The wine was once aged very slowly. Now it is a more scientific process, happening much faster. This often means the wine will degrade more quickly than ever before.
If you are looking to stock your own liquor cabinet, you want something with a good shelf life. It so happens that these days the hardiest wines are red ones. Specifically, a good Cabernet Sauvignon has a long shelf life due to the winemaking process, its tannins, and its hardy grape variety.
Chill Out
For an outdoor event of any kind, it is easier to bring red wine. The first reason is that it doesn’t need to be chilled. So, you can offer it without worrying about icing it down. The second reason is related. If the weather is the least bit chilly, much less downright cold, Cabernet Sauvignon is a good substitute for actual hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. It really warms you up.
Pair Up
Cabernet Sauvignon goes with a wide variety of foods. It is especially good with grilled meats and vegetables, a fact which actually indicates another reason to bring this wine for outdoor events. Furthermore, it can be a good accent for many special occasions. It pairs well with richer choices like a duck, roast beef, and pork tenderloin.
Please Everyone
You’ve always got people who like their drinks very bitter or very sweet. Cabernet Sauvignon usually comes down in between. It is strong enough in taste to please those who like hard liquors. However, it tends to have some fruit notes that make it pleasing to those who prefer everything sweet.
Going back to the idea that it is good for outdoor events, this red wine is strong enough to offer as an alternative to beer. That’s a nice thing when you don’t want to be worrying about a heavy cooler of iced beer bottles.
Dinner Party Choice
Cabernet Sauvignon is a natural to take to a dinner party. Even if it doesn’t pair well with the food at a dinner party that you attend, you won’t have lost out.
This red wine is always a good after-dinner drink. As a gift, it’s also a good choice due to the very reasons already discussed. It has a long shelf life, can be used outdoors easily, pairs well with many foods, and can please more people.
Date Night
For all the reasons discussed, it is a logical choice for date night. If it isn’t right for a food pairing, you’ll offer it as an after-dinner drink.
You can chill it for 20 minutes just to satisfy someone who prefers wine not to be at room temperature. It’s dressy enough for special occasions, but it is relaxed enough to be served any time.
Choosing a Brand
This wine is grown around the world. From Europe, your Cabernet Sauvignon is most likely a blend of these dark grapes and another varietal.
California wines tend to be a single varietal, a more pure Cabernet Sauvignon to some drinkers. Australian wines have been said to have a hint of Eucalyptus.
The biggest challenge with this wine is identifying one of good quality. You need to be spending about $25 to get something worthy of the name Cabernet Sauvignon. Be sure to try enough brands to find one you really appreciate and want to share.
