VENGE
IGNEOUS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON • CALISTOGA • NAPA VALLEY
"Volcanic strength: a cult Cabernet Sauvignon, deep and mineral, born from the igneous rocks of the Calistoga hillsides."
The Power of Igneous Rock
Igneous is Kirk Venge's interpretation of Calistoga's telluric force. The vines, planted in soils composed of rocks formed after magma cooling, produce small berries with astonishing phenolic concentration. This wine not only seeks the opulence of Napa's black fruit but is defined by a "granitic" mineral structure that gives it verticality and a wild elegance. It is a Cabernet Sauvignon for those seeking the purest connection between geology and the glass.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Venge Vineyards (Kirk Venge).
Origin: Calistoga Hillsides, Napa Valley, USA.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Terroir: Volcanic soils (Igneous Rock).
Aging: 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels (high proportion of new oak).
Alcohol Content: 14.9% Alc. Vol.
Presentation: 750 ml
2. Sommelier's Notes (Sensory Experience)
Appearance: Dark, impenetrable purple color; solid black core with an electric violet rim. Great viscosity and slow-staining tears.
Nose: Intensely mineral and deep profile. Unfolds layers of wild blackberry, cassis, and blueberry liqueur, intertwined with notes of graphite, cool ash, fresh tobacco, and espresso beans.
Palate: Powerful and fleshy entry that floods the palate. Presents a firm and structured tannic architecture, characteristic of its volcanic origin, yet refined by exceptional fruit maturity. Long, earthy, and vibrant finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Service Ritual
Grilled Cuts: Supreme pairing with a grilled **Tomahawk Steak**, aged Rib Eye, or New York Strip with charcoal butter.
Game and Richness: Wild boar stew, rosemary-roasted lamb, or meat cuts with dense red wine reductions.
Smoked Harmony: Aged cheeses such as aged Gouda, 30-month Parmigiano Reggiano, or powerful blue cheeses that contrast with its structure.
Service Protocol: Given its mineral concentration, a **90-minute decantation** is recommended. Serve ideally between **17°C and 19°C**.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What differentiates 'Igneous' from 'Bone Ash'?
While *Bone Ash* comes from white volcanic ash (Rhyolitic Ash) which provides finesse and freshness, *Igneous* is born from denser fragmented volcanic rock soils, resulting in a wine with more weight on the palate, more rustic/firm tannins, and a darker aromatic profile.
Is it suitable for long-term aging?
Definitely. The combination of balanced acidity and a high tannic load from rocky soils guarantees positive evolution for at least two decades under optimal cellar conditions.