“From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents. From 18 to 35, she needs good looks. From 35 to 55, she needs a good personality. From 55 on, she needs good cash,” Sophie Tucker, 1884-1966, said at 69 (and borderline wealthy, I presume).
Many professionals in the wine trade maintain that Italy is the largest producer of quality wine on the planet. Certainly, we all remember cheap plonk Chianti cuddled in its attendant wicker basket (candle optional) as it was marketed for years. In the latter part of the twentieth century, Italy’s wine quality got a reinvention booster shot, and today the country is off to the races from a wine perspective.
To many, America’s number one wine, from both a quality and value perspective, is Cavit, with its dandy line of quaffable, food-friendly wine. I first encountered Cavit at an Otto’s Beer Depot store; since then, I’ve seen it in many outlets like Piggly Wiggly in Mequon and Cedarburg.
I recently tasted through the Cavit line and gladly present my observations. All of these wines are generally available at retail prices of $6.99-$7.99, depending upon the retailer:
1) Cavit 2010 Moscato. Refreshing pure white color with ebullient effervescence (frizzante in Italian, if you’ll excuse my liberty). Upbeat, flowery nose with fresh light fruit notes of peaches bursting to the surface. The middle was refreshingly light and upbeat, and the finish was clean and barely acidic. Nice summer patio wine. B+
2) Cavit 2010 Pinot Grigio. Barely off-white, with light body, this national best seller had a flowery, light and elegant nose that hinted of fun to come. Pleasantly light and easily acidic middle and finish. Try it with light picnic fare. B+
3) Cavit 2008 Chardonnay. Slightly off-white color with medium body. Faintly complex nose (like an elusive date) with fleeting notes of light butterscotch. In the mouth, the middle was lightly fruity, gracefully easing into a light finish. Nice with sushi, fish or chicken.
4) Cavit 2010 Pinot Noir. Medium ruby robe with medium body. Understated Pinot Noir nose with notes of lavendar, candy and medium depth. Elegant, easy middle gently settles into an elegant finish. Nice with beef or light stews, but if you feel more daring, try pairing this with roast turkey at Thanksgiving. A-
5) Cavit 2010 Merlot. Rich, deep red color dances with medium body and rich notes of berries and silkiness. Nice, long middle and elegant finish. A-
6) Cavit 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark red, brooding color with heavy body. The nose was deep, rich and complex, with noes of flowers and silky elegance. In the mouth, the wine was pleasantly light and rich, then finished cleanly. Good with roasts or casseroles. A
Today’s winner was the Cabernet Sauvignon, closely followed by the hedonistic Pinot Noir and the Merlot.
Upon brief reflection, I’dreadily award my Price/Value kudos to the entire line.
Buono, Cavit. Cheers to you!
My hero, Winston Churchill, said “Never give in!”
