This $9 cabernet has the vivid taste of its grape
Environment or winemaking methods have impact on a grape's flavor making it taste lighter or heavier, sweeter or drier.
There is a widespread misconception that wine grapes are the sole determining factor in wine flavor, one that is reinforced by the way wines are labeled. Grape names are presented as if they’re reliable flavor indicators, much like the named flavors found on ice cream or yogurt. This is misleading, since the taste of chardonnay is not as consistent as vanilla and cabernet sauvignon is far less predictable in flavor than chocolate. Much of the flavor variation within a given grape’s wines derives from differences in vineyard environment or winemaking methods, which can lead wines to taste lighter or heavier, sweeter or drier, milder or more concentrated. To make matters more confusing, the distinctive flavor profile associated with any wine grape is also most apparent in its highest-quality examples. In fact, if you’re only tasting the most affordable, entry-level wines, it can be difficult to distinguish cabernet from merlot from zinfandel.
That’s why it’s a treat to find a wine like this one that tastes vividly of its grape variety despite the bargain-basement price tag. This cabernet sauvignon may not feature the density, oak spice or mouth-drying tannins associated with luxury-tier examples. However, it does feature the recognizable traits of cabernet sauvignon to an admirable degree for this price point. The dark color and woodsy scent will be familiar to fans of the grape, as will its flavors of blackberries and black plums and aromatic accents of roasted peppers and cocoa.
Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon California
$8.99; 13.7% alcohol
PLCB Item #47970
Sale price through Jan. 29 — regularly $10.99
Also available at:
Total Wine & More in Wilmington and Claymont, Del. — $8.97, totalwine.com; Gloucester City Bottlestop in Gloucester City — $8.99, bottlestopnj.com; Canal’s Bottlestop in Marlton — $9.09, canalswine.com.