Swill or Swell: Episode 21

Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon

watch the episode here

Welcome to Swill or Swell, a weekly series where I taste grocery store wines and let you know if they’re worth the buck or just meant for the drain! 

CAVEAT! As you read this, please keep in mind that wine is subjective! This means that everyone enjoys different things and something I like might not be something you like and vice versa. I’ll be as objective as I can with facts about the wine’s quality, but in the end if your opinion differs from mine...that’s perfectly fine! Wine is only worth drinking if YOU like drinking it!

LET’S INTRODUCE THE WINE

Today we’ll be tasting a Corvelia Cabernet Sauvignon. I purchased this from Trader Joe’s for $9.99. I’ve heard great things about this wine, and see it often on the “Top Five” Trader Joe’s blog posts.

CORVELIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON FUN FACTS

Let’s start by talking about the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal.

• The grape is hearty and thick skinned.
  
• The typical characteristics of this grape include: medium plus tannin, medium plus body, medium plus alcohol.

Now let’s talk about the Paso Robles region in California.

• Paso Robles is known as the Wild West of California Winemaking.
  
• It has a rule breaking diversity and innovative spirit.
  
• Paso Robles is California’s fastest growing AVA. Since 2000, the number of bonded wineries has grown from 50 to over 200, driven by growth in ownership by small family-owned producers.
  
• The region is known for opulent, sweet-fruited red wines with a plush mid-palate, high alcohol levels, and a suprisingly firm backbone of acidity that will make you sit up straight in your seat. Paso Robles wines are typically enjoyed in their youth, although the best ones do stand the test of time.

WINE TASTING NOTES

Look: A very dark, deep red
Smell: For a Cabernet, it has a light, herbal aroma to it. I’m also getting some cherry
Taste: A very pleasant wine. Buttery in feel, but not taste.
Think:
Food Pairing - Something fatty and salty to counteract the sugar
Occasion - Definitely a Netflix wine
Rating - I would give this a swell! I would buy this again!

Want to learn more? Check out my Instagram every Thursday at 5PM PST for a new episode of Swill or Swell! Have a wine you’d like me to taste? Write your request in the comments below or send me a message on Instagram!

Cheers!