# Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (2021)

- **Producer:** Fontanella Family Winery
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €110
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, black pepper, mint, violet, vanilla, cedar, cloves, toast, smoke, tobacco, forest floor, leather

## About this wine

Fontanella Family Winery, established by Jeff and Karen Fontanella, is nestled in the rugged slopes of Mount Veeder in Napa Valley. Known for its steep elevations, ancient seabed soils, and cool marine breezes, Mount Veeder produces wines of exceptional structure and longevity. This family-owned estate focuses on crafting small-lot, mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the unique, challenging terroir of the appellation, where low yields result in highly concentrated fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Mount Veeder has the longest growing season and the lowest yields of any AVA in Napa Valley, producing highly concentrated grapes.
- Founder Jeff Fontanella built his winemaking expertise at prestigious Napa estates like Opus One and Beringer before starting his own winery.
- The steep, rugged slopes of Mount Veeder require almost all vineyard work, including harvesting, to be done entirely by hand.

## Food pairing

The high tannin structure and rich body of this mountain Cabernet Sauvignon require rich, protein-heavy dishes. The fats in ribeye steak or lamb shanks bind with the tannins, softening the wine's mouthfeel and highlighting its deep fruit profile. Earthy components like rosemary and mushrooms complement the wine's complex herbal and oak-derived notes.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from steep hillside vineyards on Mount Veeder. After careful sorting, the fruit undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with extended skin contact to extract deep color and robust mountain tannins. The wine is aged for approximately 20 to 22 months in French oak barrels, utilizing a high percentage of new oak to integrate the structure and add complexity before bottling.