An Affordability Surprise: A Wine That Keeps You Coming Back for More

In my recent quest to explore the world of wines, I stumbled upon a pleasant discovery that shattered my preconceived notions about price dictating quality. It all started when I had the chance to revisit the Sonoma Crest cabernet at the renowned Crave in downtown Akron.

A month ago, I had a taste of this wine at a trade show in Cleveland, and its flavors lingered in my memory. Intrigued, I wanted to witness if it was truly as delectable as I had imagined. To accompany the wine, I opted for the $14.50 steak skewer appetizer, accompanied by an unbelievably delicious manchego cheese fondue dip.

While the fondue elevated the pairing experience, it was the wine itself that truly captivated me with its beautiful black raspberry flavors. And the best part? This remarkable cabernet only costs $16.99. It’s no secret that Sonoma delivers some incredible values, and this bottle is a testament to that fact. In a different setting, with the grapes sourced from the other side of the Mayacamas Mountains, it could easily command a price tag of $25 or more.

Keen on taking my taste test a step further, I conducted another round of sampling at my home office. I discovered that the rich, buttery flavor of Castelvetrano olives provided the perfect accompaniment while I sliced a few pieces of Parma Brand chorizo from the Market District in Cuyahoga Falls. Additionally, the Prairie Breeze cheese from Milton Creamery emerged as a delightful partner to this wine, especially if you managed to grab a chunk from Western Reserve Wines in Solon, as I recommended last week.

Feeling adventurous, I decided to experiment with the wine further. I fired up the barbecue and grilled a couple of cowboy chops from Al’s Quality Meats. To my delight, this combination emerged as the perfect encore pairing for the night, further enhancing my appreciation for the Sonoma Crest cabernet.

For those intrigued to try this wine themselves, you can find it at various locations, namely Crave in downtown Akron, Beau’s Market in Copley, Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls, Cornerstone Market in Munroe Falls, Mustard Seed Market in Montrose, Western Reserve Wines in Solon, Fishers Foods on Fulton Drive NW in Canton, and Buehler’s in Canton.

As a bonus, I have exciting news for wine enthusiasts in the area. The 7th annual Feast of the 7 Delicious wine tasting event will take place from 6-9 p.m. on December 7th at the Fairlawn Hilton. Chef Beau Schmidt will be creating small plates to perfectly complement the seven special wines featured. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample Great Lakes Christmas Ale and explore 40 other select wines, along with a cash bar. The cost for this experience is $45, and more details will be available soon.

In conclusion, the Sonoma Crest cabernet has proven to be a delightful surprise. Its affordable price tag combined with its captivating flavors make it a wine worth revisiting time and again. I urge you to give it a try and discover the joys of a quality wine that doesn’t break the bank.

For more wine recommendations and insights, feel free to reach out to me at philyourglass@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass.

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This article originally appeared on [Akron Beacon Journal](link): Sonoma Crest cab elevates a meat-and-cheese combo | Phil Your Glass