# Upwell Cabernet Sauvignon (2024)

- **Producer:** Upwell Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blueberry, plum, cherry, violet, chocolate, cedar, vanilla, cloves, toast

## About this wine

Upwell Wines was founded by Eric Clemons, founder of Coeur Wine Company, in collaboration with passionate young California winemakers. The project was created to address the scarcity of high-quality, small-production California wines available at approachable price points. By forming direct relationships with growers in premier regions like Lodi, Upwell focuses on crafting wines that over-deliver on richness, structure, and value.

## Interesting facts

- Created by Eric Clemons to offer small-production California quality under $20.
- Blended with 15% Petite Sirah to enhance color depth and spicy dark fruit structure.
- Awarded 91 Points and 'Best Buy' status by Wine Enthusiast for the 2024 vintage.

## Food pairing

Full-bodied red wines with opulent black fruit profiles and supple tannins match brilliantly with high-protein and savory, fatty foods. The proteins in grilled steaks, short ribs, and aged cheeses soften the wine's tannins while allowing the ripe berry and warm spice notes to shine.

## Wine making process

The fruit is harvested from sustainably farmed vineyards in the Lodi AVA and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to retain vibrant primary aromatics. To enhance color intensity, dark fruit depth, and spice, 15% Petite Sirah is blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine undergoes aging in a combination of stainless steel vessels and heavily toasted French oak barrels to impart plush texture, roundness, and warm baking spice notes.