Norton 1895 Cabernet Sauvignon

Bodega Norton "1895 Colección" Cabernet Sauvignon (750ML)

Bodega Norton "1895 Colección" Cabernet Sauvignon is an approachable, fruit-driven everyday red table wine designed to capture the high-altitude spirit of Argentine viticulture. Paying direct tribute to the founding year of the winery—established in 1895 by English engineer Edmund Palmer Norton, who introduced French vine cuttings to the region—the estate is highly celebrated for popularizing Mendoza's premier growing zones. Today, the property operates under the stewardship of the Swarovski family, maintaining an international reputation for high-value consistency.

While many budget-tier global Cabernets rely on low-lying flatlands that bake under the sun, Norton sources the fruit for this line entirely from their estate holdings in Luján de Cuyo, nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. These vineyards sit at premium high altitudes between 850 and 1,100 meters (2,700 to 3,600 feet) above sea level. The high-altitude setting provides intense daytime sunlight paired with sharp, chilling alpine night winds. This thermal amplitude slows down the grape ripening cycle, preserving natural food-friendly acidities and giving the thick-skinned berries ample time to develop concentrated, layered aromatics.

Technical Product Specs

• Size: 750ML Standard Format Glass Bottle

• ABV: ~13.7% to 14.0% (Vintage Dependent)

• Wine Type: Approachable, High-Altitude Red Table Wine

• Grape Architecture: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

• Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

• Winemaking Blueprint: Temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation to safeguard primary fruit purity, backed by light oak aging to smooth out the tannin matrix.

• Critical Pedigree: Solid everyday value tier, consistently scoring an 87-Point baseline from Wine Spectator.

Tasting Notes: Flavor and Aroma Profile

The alpine altitude limits heavy, jammy stewed profiles, allowing the wine to showcase a refreshing, bright, and fruit-forward landscape balancing both red and black berries.

• Aroma (Nose): Lively, fragrant, and heavily fruit-driven. The bouquet opens with an upfront concentration of ripe black plums and dark sweet blackberries, beautifully supported by secondary top notes of fresh strawberry preserves, cassis, and a faint, dusty touch of earthy clay.

• Palate (Taste): Moderate in body, clean, and beautifully structured. The entry coats the tongue with an immediate wave of dark stone fruits. Across the mid-palate, it brightens up considerably, introducing red-fruit layers of tart raspberries and red currants, grounded by balanced, smooth tannins and a gentle hint of cocoa powder.

• Finish: Persistent, clean, and dry. The fruit sweetness recedes smoothly without leaving a heavy, sticky, or cloying film on the tongue, closing with a trailing signature of fresh cassis, mild oak spices, and a refreshing line of crisp acidity.

Service and Dining Rituals

• The Quick Uncork: True to its everyday casual design, this Cabernet does not require rigorous, multi-hour decanting or specialized accessories to show its potential. It is open, vibrant, and ready to be enjoyed immediately upon pulling the cork. Pour it straight into a standard Bordeaux glass.

• The Perfect Service Temperature: Avoid serving this red at warm room temperature, which will cause the fruit notes to flatten out. Aim for a cool room temperature or a slight cellar chill of 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C) to emphasize the crisp raspberry and plum acidity.

Food Pairings

Norton 1895’s combination of high-altitude berry freshness, moderate body, and smooth tannins makes it an incredibly versatile, low-maintenance food companion that fits perfectly alongside grilled backyard fare and traditional South American comfort foods.

• Argentine Asado & Grilled Meats: An absolute natural next to flame-broiled skirt steaks with chimichurri sauce, grilled sirloin cuts, or lamb chops with rosemary. The wine's clean tannin framework handles rendered fats effortlessly.

• Savory South American Appetizers: Pair a glass next to a plate of baked beef empanadas, smoky grilled chorizo sausages, or wood-fired pepperoni pizza.

• Hard Aged Cheeses: It behaves beautifully next to a casual charcuterie board featuring chunks of Manchego, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or sharp aged Cheddar, where the cheese crystals align with the wine's balanced structure.