Today we find ourselves far from the territories best known to wine enthusiasts. In a borderland where, for some years now, very interesting wines have been produced. We find ourselves, to be precise, in the splendid setting of the Columbia Valley, in Washington State. This is where the Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon was born. But let us proceed in order. The Columbia Valley is one of the most interesting wine-growing areas in the United States. Located east of the Cascade Range, this region benefits from a continental climate with cold winters and hot, dry summers. The mountains protect the vineyards from ocean influences, ensuring a long ripening season that allows the grapes to develop complex aromas. Columbia Crest's Cabernet Sauvignon, specifically, is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 1% Shiraz. This combination gives the wine a beautiful structure and great depth. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand, a care that allows only the best bunches to be selected, preserving the quality of the fruit to the maximum. After the harvest, they are quickly transferred to the cellar, where they undergo careful selection and gentle crushing. Fermentation takes place in small wooden barrels at a controlled temperature, followed by a period of maturation on the fine lees, during which the wine acquires further structure and a pleasant roundness on the palate. The result is a wine characterised by beautiful complexity and an elegant structure. On the nose, intense aromas of dark berries, such as blackcurrant and blackberry, accompanied by hints of plum. In the mouth it is rich and enveloping, with notes of dark chocolate and a delicate touch of vanilla, the result of ageing in wood. The tannins are well present but velvety and give the wine a long taste persistence. Versatile in its pairings, Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself to a wide range of dishes. Perfect with grilled red meats, roasts, aged cheeses and mushroom dishes.