# Cabernet Cortis (2022)

- **Producer:** Winnica Gródek
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Cortis
- **Region:** Małopolska, Poland
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €19
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, cherry, black pepper, herbaceous

## About this wine

Winnica Gródek was founded in 2014 by Mariusz Lachowicz in Zbyszyce, within Poland's Małopolska region. Situated on a scenic hill peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lake Rożnowskie, the vineyard benefits from a unique body-of-water microclimate that mitigates spring frosts and provides ideal sunlight exposure. Expanding from just one hectare to over 11.5 hectares, the estate adheres to a philosophy that quality wine starts in the vineyard. Winnica Gródek has been an official member of the Małopolska Wine Trail since 2019.

## Interesting facts

- Cabernet Cortis is a PIWI hybrid created in 1982 by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon with Solaris.
- The vineyard sits on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lake Rożnowskie, creating a mild microclimate.
- Winnica Gródek has been an official member of the Małopolska Wine Trail since 2019.

## Food pairing

The bold tannic structure and vibrant acidity of this cold-climate red demand hearty dishes rich in protein and fat, such as roasted lamb, grilled beef, or game. The proteins bind with the firm tannins, rounding out the mouthfeel, while the wine's fresh acidity cuts cleanly through rich meats and mature cheeses.

## Wine making process

Crafted as a 100% single-varietal red wine, the Cabernet Cortis grapes are carefully harvested to achieve complete phenological ripeness. Fermentation takes place on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to extract structured polyphenols and rich color while retaining vibrant primary fruit aromatics. Modern gravity-assisted methods are used throughout production.