Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva – La Rajade – 2018

The wine Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva by La Rajade

The Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva from Cantina La Rajade embodies the winemaking excellence of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This winery, renowned for producing high-quality wines, has expertly highlighted the unique characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, grown on Ponca soils. The 2018 vintage stands out for its bold character and balance between fruity and spicy notes, making it an ideal choice for connoisseurs seeking a complex and structured wine. Below, we explore in detail the winemaking processes, tasting characteristics, and recommended pairings for this extraordinary wine.

The Winemaking

The Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva from Cantina La Rajade is the result of a meticulous and detail-oriented winemaking process. The vineyard is located on Ponca soil, characterized by marl and sandstone rock, giving the wine a unique mineral profile. The harvest is carried out manually, allowing for careful selection of the best grapes. With a yield of about 1.5 kg per plant, each vine is nurtured according to the Guyot training system, ensuring perfect sun exposure and optimal ripening.

During winemaking, the grapes undergo a skin maceration for about 15 days, followed by fermentation in wooden barrels. This process allows for maximum extraction of aromatic compounds and color from the skins. A delestage technique is applied to improve must oxygenation and promote more uniform fermentation. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels of various vintages for two years, followed by further aging in the bottle for at least six months.

Tasting the wine from winery

It presents an intense, almost impenetrable ruby red color. On the nose, it offers a complex and fascinating bouquet with notes of ripe red fruit such as cherry and currant, enriched by spicy hints of black pepper and vanilla. On the palate, the wine reveals a bold character and full body, with soft and well-integrated tannins. Its robust structure is balanced by a vibrant freshness, which prolongs the tasting persistence.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its bold and complex profile, the Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva 2018 from Cantina La Rajade is ideal for accompanying rich and flavorful dishes. It pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, roasts, and game. It is also an excellent companion for aged cheeses and mushroom-based dishes. To fully appreciate its characteristics, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of about 18°C, after allowing it to decant for at least an hour.

THE WINERY

La Rajade winery, located in the prestigious Collio region, represents the perfect union of winemaking tradition and innovation. Founded in 2005 by the Campeotto and Faurlin families, the company was born with the ambitious goal of becoming a benchmark in the global wine industry while maintaining strong rural roots. Thanks to their passion and dedication, La Rajade has emerged as a prominent entity, capable of expressing the elegant complexities and unique flavors of the Friulian territory in its wines….keep reading