There are numerous wine days and holidays to celebrate worldwide. Some of them are specific to a certain grape variety and others celebrate the wine industry itself! If you’re a wine enthusiast, this is the perfect time to try something new. Whether it’s a traditional wine day or something that focuses on a particular type of grape, you’re sure to find the perfect way to celebrate!
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world’s most famous and widely planted red wine grape. It forms the backbone of wines produced in France, Bordeaux, Napa Valley and throughout the world. The best Cabernet Sauvignons are aged in oak barrels, which add complexity to the wine while bringing out the fruit flavors and enhancing the smoky aromas that are characteristic of this grape. It’s important to age a Cabernet Sauvignon for at least a few years before drinking it.
Cabernet’s popularity makes it a popular addition to many wine blends, as well as a stand-alone single varietal. Its dark color, full-bodied texture and high levels of tannin make it an excellent blending partner for many other grapes. It has a variety of flavors and aromas, including blackcurrant, cassis, green bell pepper, tobacco, herbs, and vanilla. It also has a rich and complex taste that’s often accompanied by oak influence.
A great way to celebrate International Wine Day is to drink a bottle of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a delicious and versatile wine that works with just about any meal. It’s best to pair it with heavy dishes, such as those with a high fat content and a strong flavor, and to serve it at just slightly cooler temperature than room temp. Try pairing your Cabernet Sauvignon with a beef dish, such as a steak or ribeye, topped with a rich sauce and a side of vegetables. It’s also a good pairing with portabella mushrooms topped with a fatty addition or hard cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda or Gruyere.
Pinotage
Pinotage is one of the most unique grape varieties in South Africa, and for good reason. It is one of the few grapes that is more or less emblematic of the country itself, akin to the Chilean Carmenere and Argentina’s Malbec. The grape was developed in 1925 when viticulturists crossed Cinsault with Pinot Noir to produce an early-ripening wine that could survive South Africa’s hot summers and dry winters. The result was a grape that was both heat-tolerant and fruity, with notes of plum sauce, tar, blackberry, and pipe tobacco.
While it is often thought of as a difficult grape, it can be made into quality wines by skilled winemakers who can find the right balance between oak and fruit. There are a variety of styles available, from easy-drinking to serious age-worthy wines that can complement all kinds of cuisines. Some of the best Pinotage wines will have a rich, ripe red berry aroma with notes of blackberry and cherry. This will be supported by savory and vanilla notes from the oak. The tannins will also be pronounced, but the acidity will help to tame them and make them more drinkable. It’s a wine that is perfect for drinking on its own, but it is also a great partner to spicy barbecued meats. Smoked venison, lamb, and short ribs will all be well-suited to Pinotage.
The key to tasting Pinotage is letting the wine breathe, and noting the aromas and flavors that come from it. To do this, swirl the wine for about 10 seconds, and then take a deep inhale to fully experience its fragrances. Once you’ve done this, you can move on to tasting the wine. After a while, you should be able to get a feel for the tannins and acidity, the berries and spice that are present in the wine, and the wood that gives it a long and lingering finish. If you’re not familiar with Pinotage, it’s time to give it a try! October 10 is International Wine Day, so why not celebrate with a glass of this unusual grape?
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the world’s most important, yet understated red grape varieties. It’s a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (in conjunction with Sauvignon Blanc), and it plays a big role in Bordeaux blends. It’s also a key player in the Loire Valley, where producers have been cultivating it for centuries. The most prestigious Cabernet Franc in the world comes from Tuscany, and it’s often known as “Super Tuscan.” It’s a full-bodied wine with dark fruits and earthy notes, paired with boldness from high alcohol and medium-high acidity. It’s often aged in oak to increase its heft and complexity.
As a blending grape, Cabernet Franc is often used in Bordeaux alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It’s also the main grape in the Loire’s Chinon and Bourgueil appellations, along with Saumur, Anjou, and St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. When ripe, Cabernet Franc presents strawberry and raspberry aromas with green pepper and herbaceous notes. It can be light or full-bodied, and it’s typically lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, although it can have some spiciness to it. In cooler climates, Cabernet Franc wines present more tart fruit aromas and flavors. These include berries, raspberries, bell pepper, and herbs, and they’re typically greener than in warmer-climate expressions from the U.S. or Italy.
It’s a versatile grape that can make everything from a dry rose to a fruity, sweet wine. It pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly gamey meats like rabbit and duck. And while it’s often paired with grilled steaks and chops, you can also pair it with Portobello mushrooms, roasted olives, a mushroom stroganoff, or a quiche. The berry and raspberry aromas of Cabernet Franc can be quite spicy, so it’s ideal for dishes that have a lot of spice to them.
Sangria
One of the most popular drinks in Spain, sangria has been enjoyed since the 18th century. Originally, it was made with red wine and chopped fruits. Traditionally, sangria was served cold. But since it was introduced to the United States in the 1940s, it has become popular for summer parties. It was especially popular during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.
Sangria is a sweet fruity cocktail that’s made with a variety of ingredients. It typically includes red wine and fruit, but you can also make white sangria or sparkling sangria. You can play around with different flavors and spices to make your sangria unique. For example, you can replace a little of the white wine with orange curacao or lemonade to give it more citrus flavor. You can also add more brandy or sugar if you prefer it to be more sweeter.
If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate International Wine Day, why not try making some homemade sangria? The best thing about sangria is that it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. You can even make a big batch of it and share it with your friends or family. It’s also a good idea to mix your sangria several hours before you plan on serving it, so that the fruits can infuse more into the wine. You can serve your sangria in a punch bowl, if you like, or in a pitcher. The fruit will infuse with the wine, giving it a delicious taste that will keep your family coming back for more!
