We’re really starting to look forward to Wednesday, and wait till you read the story behind this wine…

This Wine Wednesday Post Road Liquors tipped us off to a meaningful bottle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, Dama De Plata 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon.

We enjoyed this “under-twenty” wine with a perfect sirloin steak from Walden Local Meat. Steak and Cab- sounds like heaven, right? It was!

Dama De Plata 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

COST – $19.99

GRAPE – Cabernet Sauvignon

COUNTRY – Chile

REGION – Maipo Valley

POST ROAD’S DESCRIPTION – “The Silver Lady” is an homage wine from the seventh generation Cousino family to the founder Isidora. When Isidora’s husband died in 1873, she still ran the winery and also purchased a silver mine. For 20 years, she ran the family business and passed it on to her children when she died in 1898. The wine is a fitting homage, with power and structure, magnificent fruit with currant and a great peppery finish.

TASTING NOTES – Medium-bodied wine, fruity nose, filled with cherries, plums, and spices. Firm tannins with an oaky peppery finish.

TALES FROM A TASTING

Always drink wine with a good friend!

How much do you love the story behind the Dama De Plata 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon? When I read about Isidora, my heart both sank and was lifted. I can identify with the pain of being a widow. But, to hear about such a strong woman who not only carried on the family business but also had the moxie to start a second business during a time when a woman’s main purpose was to tend to the home is inspirational! It really makes me want to grab life by the cahonas – and hard. There are no excuses for not getting the job done!

So, besides a kick-you-in-the-pants motivational story and over 250 years of wine-making, what else does this wine have going for it? First, I confess, if I’m going to drink red wine, Cabernet Sauvignon is my go-to wine. So, it didn’t hurt that the varietal is one of my favs; but I also really loved the fruity start and peppery finish. Sort of like an everlasting gobstopper, it takes you through a complete flavor profile. Sadly, unlike the gobstopper, the bottle of wine has an end. But, not to worry, you can always buy more. 😉 And at just under $20.00, you don’t have to stop at two!

As I mentioned before, the classic Cabernet Sauvignon pairing is a nice, juicy steak. I pan-fried our gorgeous sirloin tip steak with butter, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. It’s so simple and so delicious! There is one little secret to a sizzling fried steak – a cast iron pan. If you don’t have one, go buy one!

Once I took out the steak and let is sit and relax for a moment, I added two tablespoons of broth and just a couple dashes of the wine to the pan to loosen up all of those tasty little tidbits of crushed garlic. Topping the steak with our lovely red-wine demi-glaze put this dish on a different level. I wish I had more now!

For a side dish, my handsome fella made me a little cacio e pepe pasta. Inspired by a recent meal at Lydia Shire’s Scampo, this classic Italian dish of “cheese and pepper” is also gorgeously simple. Here’s a recipe to follow on Bon Appetit.

This delectable meal could not have blended more perfectly with the audacious Dama De Plata 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. I should also note that my glass of wine that had been hanging out with me while I was cooking tasted even better after being aerated.

Three reminders I learned from this Wine Wednesday lesson? I love Cabernet Sauvignon. A fantastic meal does not have to be complicated. Don’t let adversity get you down – keep fighting and find the silver lady (or guy) within! 😉

Thank you to Post Road Liquors 44 Boston Post Road Wayland, MA, for supplying this powerful Cabernet Sauvignon as well as their expertise!

Stop in to experience the first class service and selection. You can also find the same excellent services at their other locations, as follows:

Upper Falls Liquors
150 Needham Street
Newton, MA 02462
(617) 969-9200

 Needham Wine & Spirits
1257 Highland Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
(781) 449-1171

Auburndale Wine & Spirit
2102 Commonwealth Avenue
Newton, MA 02466
(617) 244-2772

TOODLES! Come back next Wednesday!